(1854-1936)

Apel·les Mestres was a very versatile Catalan artist. From poetry and theatre, to music, drawing, graphic illustration, books and magazines. He was the Catalan graphic arts pioneer, especially with his naturalist style. Furthermore, he used to illustrate his own literary pieces. For Mestres the book was the total art piece, as it would let him incorporate illustrations and music in poetic compilations, take into account the paper quality, the colour of the cover, the decorations on the sides, the typography, the design, the binding…

From his multiple pieces in many diverse artistic fields, the one which stands out the most is Liliana (1907), which includes realistic fantasy illustrations. For this reason, Apel·les is considered one of the precursors of Modernism and the editorial design pioneer.

Revelation. Illustration for the poem "Liliana" by Apel·les Mestres, Apel·les Mestres, 1905

Flok, Mik and Puk. Illustration for the poem "Liliana" by Apel·les Mestres, Apel·les Mestres, 1905

Three geckos dancing a sardana. Tailpiece for the poem "Liliana" by Apel·les Mestres, Apel·les Mestres, 1907

Liliana and Flor de Lli. Illustration for the poem "Liliana" by Apel·les Mestres, Apel·les Mestres, 1905

The Frogs' Concert. Illustration for the poem "Liliana" by Apel·les Mestres, Apel·les Mestres, 1905

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