Alonso Ustrell (1930-2004) - Vista de mercado

Signed by the artist on the bottom

The conservation state is good

The work is presented framed (the frame shows some signs of wear)

Work measurements: 60 cm in height x 73 cm in width

Frame measurements: 76 cm in height x 89 cm in width

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BIOGRAPHY OF THE ARTIST

Alonso Ustrell (Valencia, 1930 – 2004) was a Spanish painter known for his distinctive view of daily life in markets and the urban scenes of the Mediterranean coast. His work, deeply rooted in direct observation, captures the hustle and bustle, the colors, and the quiet tensions of street life during the second half of the 20th century.

Born in the Cabanyal neighborhood, Ustrell grew up among fishermen, street vendors, and merchants, an environment that would decisively shape his artistic imaginary. From a young age he showed an interest in drawing, making sketches of fruit stalls, anonymous faces, and busy streets. He entered the School of Fine Arts of San Carlos in Valencia, where he received traditional academic training, though he soon began to develop a freer and more expressive style.

During the 1950s, his painting evolved toward a vibrant palette and loose brushstrokes, influenced by post-impressionism and echoes of European expressionism. His markets were not mere picturesque representations, but scenes filled with rhythm and emotion: women negotiating prices, shadows projected on worn awnings, and figures that seem to blend with the urban architecture.

Throughout the 60s and 70s, Ustrell exhibited in various galleries in Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid. Although he never sought international recognition, his work was valued by critics who highlighted his ability to “paint the noise and the smell” of the city. He repeatedly refused to move to Paris or Rome, preferring to stay faithful to his Mediterranean surroundings.

In his later years, his style became more sober and reflective. Urban scenes gradually emptied of figures, giving way to almost silent markets, as if capturing the memory of a world in transformation.

Alonso Ustrell passed away in 2004 in his hometown. Today, his work is kept in private collections and in some regional museums, where it continues to be valued as a sensitive and vibrant testimony of Valencian urban life in the 20th century.