Accordingly, he began to study philosophy (and eventually earned a bachelor's degree in that subject) but also attended night classes at the Escola de la Llotja.

[2] His first attempts at being a professional artist took place in his mother's home town of Mataró, where he gained a modest reputation with the local bourgeoisie as a portrait painter.

[3] As a result of his earlier philosophical studies, he was attracted to Positivism, Republicanism and Anti-clericalism and identified with the ideals of the Revolution of 1868.

[2] During the reign of King Amadeo I, he resigned from La Llotja (although some sources say he was dismissed) because he wouldn't swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution of 1869.

[1] After the declaration of the First Spanish Republic, he was among those rehabilitated by general order of President Francisco Pi y Margall.