8 - JOSÉ LLASERA DÍAZ (Madrid, 1882–1943)

JOSÉ LLASERA DÍAZ (Madrid, 1882–1943) "Young Man with Grapes." Oil on canvas. Signed in the lower left corner. Measurements: 140 x 110 cm; 185 x 155 cm (frame). The painting has minor imperfections. An elegant woman looks to the side, holding a bunch of grapes in the palm of her hand. In the background, a large basket filled with fruit (grapes, apples, and other fruits) can be seen next to a stone fountain. Born in 1882 in Madrid, he specialized in portrait painting, with a particular focus on female subjects. He was a disciple of the renowned artist Manuel Domínguez, although much of his talent was developed through self-study by examining the works of the great masters at the Prado Museum. Among his paintings were works such as *La Moncloa*, which won an award at the 1910 National Fine Arts Exhibition; *La perla negra*; and a painting of Saint Conrad in the Church of Jesús in Madrid. He died in late December 1943. He was the brother of Emilio Llasera, the civil governor of Segovia. Throughout his career, he exhibited regularly (for example, at the National Fine Arts Exhibition), and his works frequently illustrated prestigious magazines of the time, such as *La Esfera*. His artistic legacy remains present today in the art market and in Spanish and international private collections.