Catalan volunteers in the Spanish-American War embarking in the Port of Barcelona

Ramon Padró i Pedret was a 19-century painter and decorator who studied at La Llotja school of fine arts. Shortly after having completed his studies, Padró moved to Madrid. There, he was very prolific, participating in numerous shows and contests. He painted ships, historical scenes, portraits and cityscapes. One of his most emblematic works, painted at the behest of a client, shows Catalan volunteers boarding a ship bound for Cuba. In the port of Barcelona, well-wishers can be seen bidding the volunteers farewell from a number of small boats, while Montjuïc mountain looms in the background.