FONTANET, Amadeu

Amadeu Fontanet i Clec (commonly known in Spanish as Amadeo Fontanet) (Manresa, 1907 - Barcelona, 1982) was a prominent Catalan painter, watercolorist, and artist, recognized fundamentally for his mastery of landscape painting and his personal chromatic sensibility. Although he developed a largely self-taught career, he received a notable formative influence from the prestigious naval painter and illustrator Francisco Hernández Monjo, which left a deep mark on his fascination with open horizons, the immensity of the sea, and light effects. His official debut took place in 1942 at the emblematic Galerías Pelayo in Barcelona. From that moment on, his work enjoyed an excellent commercial and critical reception, joining artistic collectives such as the Ars Plastica group. His work transcended Spanish borders, being exhibited in numerous galleries throughout Europe, as well as in international exhibitions in cities like New York and Chicago —where he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1960—. Fontanet’s production revolved almost entirely around the Catalan landscape. With a very personal pictorial language far removed from strict academicism, he meticulously painted everything from the maritime corners of the Costa Brava (such as Palamós or Tossa de Mar) to the inland panoramas and the Pyrenees. Although he worked in oil and acrylic painting, he stood out especially as an exceptional watercolorist, infusing his papers with tremendous agility, atmosphere, and great luminosity. He passed away in Barcelona in 1982. Posthumously, in 1992, he was distinguished with the Creu de Sant Jordi by the Generalitat of Catalonia, in recognition of his contribution to Catalan art and culture. His works are preserved today in various art galleries and institutions —such as the Museum of Modern Art in Madrid, the Mataró Museum, the Vallès Museum, and various provincial councils and city halls—, in addition to being part of select private collections.