Luis Ricardo Falero

Luis Ricardo Falero (1851–1896), Spanish, Luis Ricardo Falero, a Spanish painter, inventor, and engineer, was born in Granada on May 23, 1851, and passed away in London on December 7, 1896. Despite being largely self-taught, Falero became a notable figure in the post-romantic tradition of the late 19th century. His work, characterized by meticulous detail and a near-photographic precision, often featured lavish female nudes, which, while celebrated in London, Paris, and the United States, sparked controversy in his native Spain, leading to his relative obscurity there.
Falero's artistic oeuvre is distinguished by its orientalist and supernatural themes, frequently imbued with an eroticism that was provocative for its time. Notable works include 'Egyptian Woman with Harp' (1874) and 'Playing with the Tiger' (1877), which exemplify his fascination with exoticism and the female form. Beyond painting, Falero was deeply engaged in the sciences, contributing to the field of electricity as a founder of the International Society of Electricians and innovating in the industrial preparation of oxygen. His interdisciplinary interests extended to astronomy, astrology, and the paranormal, influences that permeated his mature works, such as 'Reclining Nude' (1880), showcasing his exploration of light effects and mystical subjects.