They Still Say That Fish Is Expensive! (1894) by Joaquin Sorolla Y Bastida

They Still Say That Fish Is Expensive! - Joaquin Sorolla Y Bastida - 1894

Artwork Information

TitleThey Still Say That Fish Is Expensive!
ArtistJoaquin Sorolla Y Bastida
Date1894
MediumOil On Canvas
Dimensions60 1/4 x 80 3/8 in. (153 x 204 cm)
Current LocationMuseo Del Prado, Madrid
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About They Still Say That Fish Is Expensive!

Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida was a Spanish painter who was born in Valencia in 1863. He is most known for his impressionist-style paintings, especially those that capture the sunny seacoast of Valencia. Sorolla had a unique ability to depict the effects of blazing sunlight and his paintings are reminiscent of artists such as John Singer Sargent and Anders Zorn.

One of Sorolla’s well-known works is “They Still Say That Fish Is Expensive!” which he submitted to the National Exhibition in Spain in 1894. The painting portrays a scene inside the hold of a fishing boat where fishermen are sorting their catch, while two women seem to be haggling over price. The painting exhibits vivid colors and vigorous brushwork that characterizes Sorolla’s style as an impressionist.

Despite his exhibitions attracting vast attendances, Sorolla’s oil paintings are still not widely known outside Spain. Nevertheless, “They Still Say That Fish Is Expensive!” is regarded as one of his masterpieces and showcases his superb skill in portraying light and color effectively.

In conclusion, Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida was one of Spain’s leading representatives of Impressionism whose artworks portrayed social and historical themes using vibrant colors and vigorous brushwork. His masterpiece, “They Still Say That Fish Is Expensive!”, which depicts life inside the hold of a fishing boat captures the essence of Spanish culture at that time while visually stimulating its viewers through its vivid colors and lively composition..

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