Luis Ricardo Falero (1851-1896) was a Spanish artist who became famous for his nude paintings, painted in a mystical style that was innovative for the time, which later became the basis for modern adult fantasy, such as the artwork of Boris Vallejo. In fact, Falero's work is much deeper than it seems at first glance, it is not just beautiful images of nude girls in the style of symbolism, but also a source of inspiration for many contemporary artists.
Polaris
Falero was seriously into mysticism and astrology, which were very popular at the time - it is no coincidence that the spiritistic séances gathered even representatives of high society, and many noble and wealthy people necessarily belonged to some secret society, and not only in the Masonic lodge. Therefore, the background of his paintings were often images of stars, constellations, fantastic creatures, Falero willingly wrote fictional landscapes, giving free rein to his imagination. But the basis was always nude girls, painted as realistically as possible, although somewhat idealized, with academically flawless bodies.
Butterfly Woman
Falero was inspired by the work of William Bouguereau, and one can see similarities in the depiction of nudes by these artists. But Bouguereau's paintings are classic salon academism in its purest form, when excellent drawing prevails over fantasy and originality. Falero's work is more innovative, it does not seem hopelessly outdated at all, and it could well be painted in this way by successful contemporary artists.
Dark Fairy
Figaro paintings despite the apparent simplicity of the composition and plot is very harmonious, fantastic background, thanks to perfectly worked out images of girls does not feel alien and far-fetched, and in what is happening there you can if not believe, then, as in a good fantasy, to accept the laws and rules by which this world exists. No wonder that there are still many fans of the artist's work, and his paintings are sold for a lot of money.
A coven of witches
Luis Ricardo comes from Granada, Spain. His father, the Duke of Labrazano, had become impoverished for various reasons and, despite his high-profile title, was by no means the richest man in the area. Luis was seriously interested in science, although his parents wanted their son to follow the military path and someday return their family's former splendor. For this young man had to give a good education, so he was sent to study in Paris, which was then the best place for all artists. Not surprisingly, and Louis was seriously interested in painting, but preferred to keep quiet about it, knowing that his parents do not approve of his hobby. But soon his father insisted on studying at the Spanish Naval Academy, and had to return home.
True, Luis did not like it there at all, the military business did not interest him, in his heart he was a peaceful and creative man, so despite the protests of his parents, who said they would leave him without pay, again went to Paris.
Bedouin
He began to study painting with portraitist Gabriel Ferrier, but instead of the usual portraits began to write mystical paintings of nude girls and stars, which quickly found their buyers. And soon met the famous French astronomer and writer Camille Flammarion and received from him a large order to write metaphorical paintings for his books.
As it turned out, naked pretty girls, symbolizing double stars, perfectly promoted astronomy to the masses, and books Flammarion with illustrations Falero sold like hotcakes.
Twin stars
True, to earn still more had to ordinary portraits, and in Spain, his paintings were declared "flagrantly indecent" - very conservative there was society, and the influence of the church is strong. His parents were not too happy that their son became famous thanks to his "obscene pictures", but Falero could not think of life without art.
Visions of Faust
But in Paris, his paintings were in demand, he exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1879 and was soon recognized as a masterful artist with his original style, which nevertheless liked the public.
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