Miralles Galup, Francisco

Francisco Miralles Galup was raised in Barcelona and received his first artistic training from Ramon Marti Alsina. When he was fifteen, he traveled to Paris for the first time, and three years later he moved there, remaining for the next twenty-seven years. He worked in the studio of Arturo Canela, which was a meeting place for Catalan artists in Paris. Through his compatriot Edouardo Zamacois, Miralles met the prestigious art dealer Adolphe Goupil, who began to commission painting from the young artist. Goupil was also the agent for Boldini, Gérôme, and Bouguereau, whose careers he had helped establish. Miralles’ talent was quickly acknowledged and his paintings were avidly collected, many being sold before they were finished. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salons from 1875 until 1896, in Barcelona’s Sala Pares, and in numerous international exhibitions in London, Berlin, Dieppe, Montpelier, and America.