Carlos Abascal Espagnol, 1871-1048

Spanish painter with Orientalist influence

Born in Madrid in 1871, Carlos Abascal developed a body of work deeply inspired by Morocco, where he spent extended periods during the 1920s and 1930s. His paintings depict lively street scenes, traditional markets, caravans, and portraits of men and women in their daily lives—particularly in cities such as Marrakech, Meknès, and Tangier.

His style combines realism with sensitivity, using a warm and luminous palette and a strong attention to everyday detail. Abascal captured both urban atmospheres and coastal or desert landscapes through balanced, vibrant compositions.

Although relatively discreet, he established himself as a keen artistic observer of interwar Morocco. He passed away in 1948, leaving behind a cohesive and expressive body of work, marked by a deep connection to North African culture and a humanistic gaze.