Rafael Monleón

Rafael Monleón y Torres (1843 – 24 November 1900) was a Spanish painter, archaeologist and historian who specialised in marine art.

Life

He was born in Valencia. His father was the architect, , a professor at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos. After studying there from 1855 to 1866, he joined the merchant marine and became a pilot; sailing around Europe. Later, he was a student of the marine artist Paul Jean Clays in Bruges, where he also studied engraving. Upon his return to Spain, he completed his studies with Carlos de Haes. As a result, he was awarded a second-class Cross of Naval Merit and the title of Commander in the Order of Charles III. As an engraver, he provided illustrations on marine topics for La Ilustración Española y Americana, and other periodicals. He also created ceramics, some of which have been preserved at the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts. As a designer, he created his own office furniture. He died in Madrid, aged 57.

Gallery