Gran Teatre del Liceu. 1900.

Artist: ADRIÀ GUAL (1872-1943)
Size: 33 1/4 x 24 1/4 in./84.6 x 61.5 cm
Condition: B/ Slight tears, largely at bottom edge.
Printer:
Reference: Ref: Cataluña, 69
Key Words: Art Nouveau; Spain; Music; Opera

Gran Teatre del Liceu. 1900.
The ethos of Spanish modernisme was an integration of and democratization of various art forms, and the artists themselves dabbled in various creative endeavors. Adrià Gual was no exception: he was a Catalan playwright, theatre businessman, founder of the Escola Catalana d'Art Dramàtic, pioneer of Spanish cinema, and poster designer who worked closely with other giants of the era, including Ramón Casas. This poster is a prime example of this era's artistic crossover: an idyllic musical scene promotes the Gran Teatre del Liceu, a Barcelona opera house opened in 1847. While the specific context of this piece is unknown, it likely promoted the opera's 1899/1900 season, which featured Wagner's The Valkyrie and Tristan and Isolde; Wagner was a powerful source of inspiration for Gual, who incorporated the composer's ideas and philosophies throughout his creative practice.