Benito Espinós

His father, José Espinós (1721-1784), was a painter and engraver who had trained with the Baroque master, Evaristo Muñoz.

He began his career working in his father's studio, painting decorative designs for the textile manufactory that had been established in Valencia by the Cinco Gremios Mayores [es] (Five Guilds) of Madrid.

In 1788 he travelled to Madrid, with the object of presenting five of his paintings to the soon-to-be King Carlos IV[1] In 1815, after suffering a stroke that caused him to lose his sight in one eye, he resigned from his position at the Academia.

During his years there, he taught and influenced several artists who would become notable floral painters, including Miguel Parra Abril and José Romá [es].

[2] In his output, one may distinguish two clear phases; the first which featured elaborate garlands, backed by architectural scenes or figures, and the second, consisting largely of natural floral arrangements with vases and other simple props.