<p>Joaquín Sorolla (born in Valencia 1863 - died in Cercedilla 1923) is one of the most successful Spanish painters ever. He was a genius in capturing the essence of the scene he was painting. He was a master of light.</p><p>Joaquín Sorolla loved his wife and his family. He painted them all the time. He lived in the time when photography was being invented and commercialized. Sorolla created a virtual family album with his wonderful paintings. He invited us to see and share his happiness. Sorolla was not shy about his family as many of his contemporaries were.</p><p>He sold many paintings that showed his family, especially his daughter María was a favorite with the public, and Sorolla jokingly called María the breadwinner of the family. He wanted us to share his view of the ideal family as he shared his view of a great and united Spain. Sorolla painted dogs and a cat as pets, as part of the family, superbly catching their soul and character. </p>