A new biography of Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), the Valencian painter best known for his luminous impressionistic seascapes, has just been published in Madrid, where the Thyssen-Bornemisza is currently exhibiting his work alongside that of his contemporary John Singer Sargent.
Reviewing the book in El País, José-Carlos Mainer suggests that the next edition should have a chapter on the Sorolla Museum, in the painter’s former home, which is as much a self-portrait as anything Sorolla committed to canvas. My wife and I went there on our first trip to Madrid, and it was our favourite place in the city. Pencil it in if you’re planning a visit.