Portrait of Charles Deering

"Charles Deering (Paris, Maine, 1852 - Miami, Florida, 1927) was one of the most important businessmen in the United States. In 1909 Ramon Casas invites him to his country to paint portraits of his acquaintances. On his return they travelled together to Sitges. Charles Deering was so fond of the village that decided to buy the old hospital and a few houses on the same street, restore the set to become his residence and a place to exhibit his collections. Miquel Utrillo called “Maricel” the architectural complex, inspired by the play of the same name written by the writer and poet Angel Guimerà.

Under the artistic direction of the multifaceted Miquel Utrillo, the monumental set, with his residence and the building to present his art collection, was built between 1910 and 1918, joining the two buildings by a bridge over the street.

The portrait of Charles Deering by Ramon Casas is warm, not only in hue but also in emotional empathy. You can appreciate the vaguest hint of a smile; a man who is also able to run a business as to have signs of kindness."