José Navarro Llorens Spanish, 1863-1923

Spanish Orientalist and maritime painter

Born in 1867 in Godella, near Valencia, José Navarro y Llorens trained at the San Carlos School of Fine Arts in Valencia, developing a passion for maritime subjects, vibrant light, and Mediterranean landscapes. A friend of Sorolla and influenced by Fortuny, he employed lively brushwork and dynamic scenes.

In the early 1900s, he traveled to North Africa—especially Morocco—and brought back scenes of bustling souks, caravans, lively streets, and local faces. He also became known for his marine paintings depicting coastal life, boats, and children playing by the sea. In 1908, he exhibited successfully in Latin America (Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro).

A favorite among collectors but understated in academic circles, his work is admired for its colorful intensity and authentic portrayal of the Mediterranean and Maghreb. He died in Valencia in 1923, leaving a legacy hallmarked by light, sea, and Oriental themes.