1841 – 1871
Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala, born on July 2, 1841, in Bilbao, Spain, was a notable Spanish painter who specialized in small-format academic paintings. He is considered the first Basque artist to achieve international success, predating figures like José Echena and Ignacio Zuloaga. Zamacois came from a family rich in artistic talent, including his brother Niceto de Zamacois (a writer), his sister Elisa Zamacois (a soprano), and his brother Ricardo Zamacois (an actor). He was also the father of French writer Miguel Zamacois and the uncle of Spanish novelist Eduardo Zamacois.
Eduardo was the son of Miguel Antonio de Zamacois y Berreteaga, a professor, and Ruperta María del Pilar de Zabala y Arauco, his second wife. Eduardo had numerous siblings, including those from his parents’ previous marriages. He received a well-rounded education that included drawing, music, and multiple languages. His initial artistic training took place in his hometown of Bilbao under the guidance of Joaquín Balaca and Cosme Duñabeitia.
In 1856, his family moved to Madrid, where Eduardo entered the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, studying under Federico de Madrazo. By 1860, he moved to Paris, sponsored by the Lordship of Biscay. Although he initially struggled to gain admission to the École des Beaux-Arts, he succeeded in joining the studio of Ernest Meissonier, where he honed his skills in genre scenes.
Zamacois quickly gained recognition in Spain. In 1861, he was commissioned to do decorative work in the Royal Palace of Madrid, and he won medals at the National Exhibitions of 1862 and 1864. One of his awarded works, “Los limosneros,” was acquired by the Spanish state and is now held at the Museo de Málaga.
In 1865, Zamacois married Louise Marie Héloïse Perrin, with whom he had two children. He developed a close friendship with the painter Mariano Fortuny, who created a renowned etching of him in 1869. Zamacois also played a crucial role in introducing Fortuny to the art dealer Adolphe Goupil, significantly impacting Fortuny’s career.
In 1870, Zamacois won the Gold Medal at the Paris Salon for “The Education of a Prince.” His work gained further recognition, including from the English writer Charles Dickens. However, due to the Franco-Prussian War and health issues, he returned to Madrid in early 1871, where he died prematurely at the age of 29 on January 12, 1871.
Posthumously, Zamacois was honored with a diploma at the 1878 Paris Universal Exhibition, and Goupil published a volume featuring photographs of his best works, cementing his legacy in the art world.
