The Life and Art of Ricardo Macarrón
Born in Madrid, Spain, Ricardo Macarrón Jaime was a distinguished painter and portraitist. He received his training at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, where he studied under Joaquín Valverde Lasarte. During his time as a student, he achieved various art awards and produced his first portrait in 1943. His lineage in the arts was established early, as his father, Juan Macarrón Despierto, owned a workshop for carvers and art restorers.
Macarrón's career is characterized by three distinct stylistic periods. Between 1955 and 1960, his work exhibited a cubist influence. From 1960 to 1968, his paintings became darker, emphasizing a sense of "disenchantment." In his later years during the 1990s, his work showcased his strong technical skills and techniques.
Royal Portraits and Legacy
As a portraitist, Macarrón gained recognition for his depictions of aristocracy and European royalty. His notable subjects included:
His artistic legacy is preserved in public museum collections, such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer in Viladecans. His life and experiences were later chronicled in the memoir Mi Vida con Ricardo Macarrón, written by his wife, Alicia Iturrioz. He passed away in Riaza, Spain.
