He was born into a family of painters, set designers and silversmiths and began his artistic training in his father's workshop.

The following year, he returned to Paris alone and established contact with Goupil & cie, one of the most important art dealerships at that time.

He was awarded second prize at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1878 with his painting "La esclava" (The Slave),[2] which was later purchased by King Alfonso XII.

Between 1882 and 1884, he and Josep built an elaborate workshop on Bailen Street, modeled after the ancient Temple of Augustus on Mont Tàber.

He was also an amateur playwright and a regular contributor to a weekly "magazine", El Recuerdo, created by his brother Josep and his friends, but never actually published.