(Paris, 16 December 1861 – 30 June 1917) In the words of
W.B. Denmore, writing at the end of the 19th century, Gandara was an ardent
worshipper of Velasquez, Van Dyck and Gainsborough, and stood firm in
the classes of his teachers, Gerome and Cabanel. A friend of Romaine Brooks,
Verlaine, Anna de Noailles, Claude Debussy, Sarah Bernhardt, Edmond de
Goncourt, Tissot, and many other famous names who marked the turn of last
century, Antonio de la Gandara is a major witness of his time. He won
several gold, silver and bronze medals in major exhibitions in Europe.
His paintings, drawings and pastels demonstrate the exceptional talent
of a delicate and intelligent artist. Born in Paris from a French mother
and a Spanish/Mexican father, Gandara mostly worked from his studio 22
rue Monsieur le Prince in Paris which he once shared with James McNeil
Whistler. Antonio de la Gandara rests at the Père Lachaise cemetery in
Paris. A visit to his grave is a must for art lovers.
