Antonio Casanova y Estorach was a Spanish painter known for his romanticized depictions of everyday scenes or Costumbrismo. He studied under masters such as Federico de Madrazo and Claudio Lorenzale, and he showed great promise at a young age, exhibiting his work at major exhibitions in Madrid and Barcelona beginning at age 19. In 1876, he left Spain for Paris where he remained until his death.
While he often painted historic scenes and folklore, he was also known for his rosy-cheeked depictions of mischievous monks, cardinals, and other churchmen. Frequently plump and jolly, they are often represented as relishing the worldly aspects afforded to their lifestyle.
