MARIANO FORTUNY - La Odalisca (Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña, 1861. Óleo sobre cartón, 56.9 x 81 cm)

Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949) was a Spanish-born artist, designer, and inventor who became renowned for his innovative textile designs and lighting fixtures. He was born in Granada, Spain, and grew up in Venice, Italy, where his family moved when he was a child. Fortuny studied painting and developed an interest in the arts and crafts of the ancient world, which inspired his designs for textiles, costumes, and stage sets. He established his own textile printing and dyeing workshop in Venice in 1906, where he developed his signature technique of printing on silk using metallic pigments. Fortuny's designs were highly innovative and his textiles were prized for their beauty and durability. His designs featured intricate patterns and bold colors, and he was especially skilled at creating unique textures and finishes. In addition to his textile designs, Fortuny also created a range of innovative lighting fixtures, including the famous Fortuny lamp. The lamp featured a unique design that allowed it to cast a warm, diffuse light that was ideal for illuminating interiors. Today, Fortuny's textiles and lighting fixtures are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts. His legacy continues to inspire contemporary designers and artists around the world.