Collection: Luis Egidio Meléndez

Luis Egidio Meléndez, born in Naples in 1716, was a Spanish still-life painter regarded as the greatest of the 18th century. Though largely unrecognized during his lifetime, his skill in composition, light, and texture transformed everyday objects into powerful works of art.

Meléndez studied at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, excelling in drawing. Despite his talent, he struggled financially and died in poverty in Madrid in 1780, leaving behind only his pencils.