The Caf of the Swallows

An intimate friend of Mariano Fortuny, Raimundo de Madrazo and Martn Rico, Eduardo Zamacois lived, studied and worked in the studios of Paris for most of his life. Born in Bilbao, he began his artistic training in Madrid, before entering the studio of Meissonier in Paris. In 1868, Zamacois travelled to study in Fortuny's studio in Rome where, under the guidance of his tutor, he discovered the art of painting Orientalist scenes. Painted in 1869, the year of Zamacois' return to Paris, The Caf of the Swallows is a direct reference to Fortuny's watercolour of the same title. Fortuny had executed this jewel in 1868, while the two artists were together in Rome. Thus, Zamacois' present painting can be seen as the artist's personal hommage rendered to his great tutor, artist, and friend.