The inner story of a portrait
Get up close to the portrait of Unamuno painted by Vázquez Díaz in the famous student residence in Madrid
Study for Unamuno´s portrait (1920) by Daniel Vázquez DíazUnamuno House-Museum, Salamanca University
The background
According to the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), intrahistoria (inner story) is a term invented by Miguel de Unamuno, meaning that which serves as a permanent background to the changing and visible story. We invite you to discover this famous portrait, the moment in which it was painted, and the anecdotes which accompanied its creation.
The work
Entitled Studies for the Portrait of Unamuno (Estudios para el Retrato de Unamuno), it is an oil on board with a little impasto brushwork. The tones oscillate between white and black, a wide range of grays, and pinks for the carnations. A color palette typically used by the artist.
Making sketches
As well as the central figure, the painter developed a study of the writer's left hand, as well as part of his face. These sketches would later be used to create the famous Portrait of Miguel de Unamuno (Retrato de Don Miguel de Unamuno), held at the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) in Bilbao.
The artist
Daniel Vázquez Díaz, one of the most important figures of the so-called Picasso generation, was an innovator within the artistic panorama of the period. His extensive work ranged from realism to cubism, and on some occasions appearing as sculptural reminiscences.
An extraordinary portrait artist
Vázquez Díaz painted many significant intellectuals. His skill as a portrait artist is reflected in the numerous images he painted of Miguel de Unamuno, whose figure triggered his aspiration to capture the physical features, as well as the psychological profile of the writer.
Posing in the residence
The student residence was where the author stayed on the many occasions he visited Madrid, whether for professional or academic reasons. In 1920, he posed there with a serious but inquisitive expression, wearing a hat, with his right hand on his chest inside his suit.
Unamuno the influencer
The painter remembers how he approached Unamuno, after hearing one of his speeches, to "meet this tall figure with the aim of confessing my ardent devotion to the man who had taught me to think, influenced the culture of his time, and the generation of modern Spain."
Forever friends
Following their first meeting in the residence, a long friendship blossomed between the artist and his model, and he painted many more portraits of the writer. Among them is the last portrait painted of Miguel de Unamuno from life, entitled Unamuno from a Blank Page (Unamuno de la Cuartilla Blanca).
September 29, 1934
Dear Miguel,
With the most fervent enthusiasm and affection, I join in the celebratory tribute being paid by Spain to the Illustrious Master, wise and kind-hearted, Miguel Unamuno.
Warmest regards, Vázquez Díaz,
At this very moment I am filled with emotion beginning my fourth portrait of you
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