Bécquer, Carlos

Carlos Bécquer Domínguez
Barcelona, 1889 - 1968

CARLOS BÉCQUER DOMÍNGUEZ BIOGRAPHY

Carlos Bécquer Domínguez was a painter, cartoonist and illustrator, born in Barcelona, whose artistic and creative life led him to stand out in different disciplines.

Grandson of the painter Valeriano Bécquer and nephew of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, although he was born in Barcelona, he lived in Seville until he was seven years old, when he returned to Barcelona. Between the ages of eleven and eighteen he lived in Madrid, where he was taught by Rafael Arroyo. Although he studied at the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, he always considered himself self-taught, attributing his learning to his fondness for taking notes from life in movement.

He mastered techniques such as oil, watercolor and gouache, being also an outstanding draftsman in his work as a draftsman.

In 1907 he presented his Self-Portrait at the Self-Portrait Exhibition organized by the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona, winning prizes in retaules and at the Llotja.

From 1909, he lived in Paris for twelve years, collaborating as an illustrator with the Hachette publishing house and participating regularly in the Salons Artistiques. He exhibited at the Prefecture des Beaux-Arts on Boulevard Voltaire and then traveled to the Maghreb before returning to Barcelona.

He participated in the Spring Exhibitions of Barcelona (1934-1935), obtaining awards such as Barcelona vesteix pels seus artistes del Círculo Artístico. He exhibited at La Pinacoteca and Sala Gaspar, among other places.

Specializing in drawing animals, he stood out for his exceptional graphic representations based on a deep knowledge of anatomy and a unique ability to capture movement.

His renown in animal drawing was so great that he was admitted as a member of the L'Arche de Noè club, reserved for those whose surname coincided with the name of an animal.

Carlos Bécquer Domínguez was a prominent illustrator of children's books for the publishing houses Araluce and Bagués in Barcelona.

In addition to his artistic work, he taught painting and drawing classes, and collaborated in popular children's magazines until 1938, such as En Patufet, Virolet and Esquitx. His contribution to the artistic and literary world of children remains a fundamental part of his creative legacy.