"Horas Españolas" (Spanish Hours) attributed to Federico Beltrán Masses (Spain, 1885-1949), oil on artist cardboard, signed, various stamps and labels on back including shipping label from Parke-Bernet circa 1930s-1940s, framed - 26 3/4" x 23 1/2" 
 
Federico Beltrán Masses was among the most celebrated Spanish portrait and Symbolist painters of the early 20th century. Beltrán Masses was born in Cuba to Spanish parents and raised in Barcelona. He began his artistic training at the Escola de la Llotja and later moved to Madrid, where he continued his studies under the painter Joaquín Sorolla. Though he started his career as an artist in Spain, he left for Paris after disagreements with Spanish art critics. His career in Paris was highly successful and Beltrán Masses soon became a favorite of European royalty, aristocrats, industrialists, and elite entertainers.  In the 1920s he traveled to America, eager to succeed in its emerging art market.  An early admirer in America was William Randolph Hearst, who helped Beltrán Masses' career. Hearst's wife, actress Marion Davies, introduced Beltrán Masses to Hollywood's upper echelons, including Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks and Gloria Swanson. During his life, he was showered with public honors and was a member of the Academies of San Fernando in Madrid, San Jorge in Barcelona, and San Luís in Zaragoza, as well as those of Lisbon, Córdoba, and Málaga. He was also a member of the French Institut and the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His career waned as he entered later life, as did his health.  By the time he passed away he lived in obscurity.  However, his work underwent a revival and his works can now be found in many important collections and museums.