SOROLLA. TRAVELING TO PAINT
Joaquín Sorolla is considered one of the leading figures of Spanish impressionist painting. To mark the centenary of the Valencian artist’s death, the Consell de Mallorca presents an exclusive exhibition featuring 12 works he painted during his stay on the island. The exhibition, part of the “Sorolla: Traveling to Paint” project, will be held at the Museu de Mallorca from June 3 to September 8 — an event that, in my opinion, should not be missed. Not only will it give you the opportunity to admire some beautiful pieces of art, but it is also a chance to explore the places where those paintings were created: Valldemossa, Pollença, and Cala San Vicenç, just to name a few.
Pollença and Cala San Vicenç are located in the north of Mallorca, about an hour from Palma, and I assure you both are well worth the visit — especially if you follow the extraordinary scenic route that ends at Cap de Formentor. Pollença is an ancient rural town, rich in history, monuments, beaches, towers, and nature reserves. Cala San Vicenç, on the other hand, is a small cove carved into the rocks, with a beautiful beach flanked by cliffs. Despite the presence of some large accommodation options, it has not become overcrowded and still retains part of its original charm. Gazing out over the crystalline sea and leaving modernity behind, you can still spot the features of the rocky landscape Sorolla captured in his famous painting Cala de San Vicente.
Valldemossa, meanwhile, is a beautifully preserved village just 20 km from Palma. The road leading there is just as scenic — winding through forests and hills along the Tramuntana mountains, until you spot the small village of uniformly colored stone houses. Here, time seems to have stood still, just like in Sorolla’s paintings — true travel sketches that the artist translated onto canvas, as if preserving an indelible memory of the magnificence of the places he visited.
These paintings, which depict Mallorca and the Mediterranean, were among the last works Joaquín Sorolla created — a beautiful testament to the island’s timeless beauty and everyday life. He had been sent to Mallorca to rest and recover after a life of work, study, and travel. But faced with the island’s stunning scenery, he couldn’t remain passive. He was moved by the colors of the sea and the intensity of the light — and once again, he painted.
It is well worth a visit.