Rafael Romero de Torres

In 1885, he was presented with a second scholarship from the Diputación, for his painting Sin trabajo ("Out of Work", or "Unemployed"), which provided him with sufficient funds to spend three years in Rome.

There, he befriended other Spanish artists, including the sculptor, Mateo Inurria, and Marceliano Santa María.

In 1945, the latter wrote memoirs, recalling the times he spent with Romero and others at the Antico Caffè Greco.

According to his friend, Ricardo de Montis [es]: "That injustice produced an indescribable impression on him; it dispelled his illusions, killed his hopes and why not say so?

For a time he collaborated with Enrique and Julio; providing illustrations for La Gran Vía [es], a general interest magazine, but it folded in 1895, after only two years.