Almeida Junior

About Almeida Junior

Who is it?: Painter
Birth Day: May 08, 1850
Birth Place: Itu, São Paulo, Brazil, Brazilian
Died On: November 13, 1899 (aged 49)\nPiracicaba, Brazil
Birth Sign: Gemini
Known for: Painting
Notable work: O Derrubador Brasileiro; Caipira Picando Fumo; A Partida da Monção; Saudade; Descanso do modelo
Movement: Realistic

Almeida Junior Net Worth

Almeida Junior was born on May 08, 1850 in Itu, São Paulo, Brazil, Brazilian, is Painter. José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior, commonly referred to as Almeida Junior, was the first artist of his time to create Realistic portraits in Brazil. His works have been designated as the foundation of modern art in the nation. His paintings bear a close resemblance to the works of other Realistic artists such as Gustave Courbet and Jean Francois Millet of France. During Almeida’s time, his contemporaries were busy illustrating myth and historical events, but he chose to redirect his paintings toward rustic life. Several of his paintings canvas rustic people in their most ordinary chores, some even portraying intense feelings of longing and despair. None would have imagined that such a bounty of artistry could be hidden in a poor church bell-ringer! His portraits displayedabundant dexterity as he possessed a keen eye for perfection. Being the first in Brazil to swim against the tide, he gathered lofty admiration, with many painters imitating his work in the decades to follow. Yet his paintings have been marked for their intricate portrayal of both art and emotion, making it impossible to replicate. Brazil commemorates the everlasting work of the impactful artist on his birthday, 8May, with the celebration of ‘Fine Arts Day’ also called ‘Dia do ArtistaPlastico’.
Almeida Junior is a member of Realist Painters

💰Almeida Junior Net worth: $6 Million

Some Almeida Junior images

Biography/Timeline

1869

In 1869, he enrolled at the Academia Imperial de Belas Artes, where he studied with Victor Meirelles and Pedro Américo. His simple, country speech and manners reportedly were the source of much interest and, one might suppose, amusement. After graduating, he chose not to compete for a travel award to Europe, returning instead to Itu, and setting up a studio.

1876

He was apparently destined to see Europe, however. In 1876, during a tour of the São Paulo region, Emperor Pedro II saw Júnior's work, was impressed, and personally offered his financial support. Later that year, a Royal Decree awarded Júnior 300 Francs per month (USD $60/month) for the purpose of studying in Paris. He soon settled in Montmartre and enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts, becoming one of the many students of Alex Andre Cabanel. While there, he participated in four of the Salons.

1882

He remained in Paris until 1882 then, after a brief trip to Italy, returned to Brazil and exhibited the works he had created during his absence. The following year, he opened a studio in São Paulo and gave lessons. He also held exclusive art exhibitions and executed portraits of notable people, ranging from coffee barons to Republican politicians. In 1884, he held a showing at the "Exposição Geral de Belas Artes" and was made a Knight in the Order of the Rose

1887

A year later, Victor Meirelles offered to give Júnior his position as Professor of History Painting at the Academy, but Júnior refused the offer, preferring to stay in São Paulo. From 1887 to 1896, he made three more trips to Europe. During this period, he would increasingly turn from Biblical and historical works in favor of regionalist themes, depicting the everyday life of the "caipiras" and leaving the Academic style behind while gradually approaching Naturalism. Despite these changes, his reputation at the Academy remained unchallenged and he received the Gold Medal there in 1898.