Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona are two concepts that always go hand in hand. And it was he, the architect of Catalan Modernism, who put the city on the map thanks to masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Batlló. But who was Gaudí? Who was the person behind his work?

In this article by Barcino Designs, we want to delve into the life of Antoni Gaudí as a young man, get to know his personality, his passion and understand how he became the artist so well known around the world today. Join us in this biography of Antoni Gaudí where we will dive into the most unknown aspects of his life.

 

The life of Antoni Gaudí and his importance in history

Antoni Gaudí is one of the most influential architects in history, and one of the most well-known figures of Catalan Modernism. His most emblematic work is the Sagrada Familia which, to this day, remains a symbol of Barcelona and one of the most impressive churches in the world.

But in addition to transforming architecture, Gaudí inspired, and continues to inspire, artists and designers around the world. His style was inspired by the organic forms of nature and, to this end, he used innovative materials and mastered the trencadís technique.

Since childhood, Gaudí had a great interest in nature, which would later have a direct influence on his architecture. It is said that he suffered from health problems and was unable to do much physical activity, so he spent many hours observing his surroundings. This made him begin to have a great admiration for the shapes, colors and structures of nature.

His education began in Reus and later moved to Barcelona to study at the Barcelona School of Architecture. In 1878 he obtained the title of architect and began to work on projects that, little by little, would make him stand out in the city of Barcelona and, in time, throughout the world.

 

Where was Gaudí born?

The exact birthplace of Antoni Gaudí has been a debate for years. Although most experts believe that he was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus. Some theories argue that his birth may have taken place in Riudoms, a small town near Reus, as this is where his family had a farmhouse.

What is certain is that Gaudí grew up in an artisan family. His father and grandfather were coppersmiths, so from an early age he learned about metalworking.

 

Did Gaudi have children?

Antoni Gaudí never had children or a family. Why? Because his life was marked by his religious devotion and a complete dedication to his work. It is said that, as a young man, he was in love with Josefa Moreu, but he never had any sentimental relationship and opted for celibacy.

Over the years, his commitment to architecture and his Catholic faith grew stronger. In fact, it is said that he neglected even his appearance because he focused all his efforts on the construction of the Sagrada Familia. The relationship of his work with religion was clear: Gaudí saw his work as an act of faith. For this reason, he had no descendants or family life, and devoted himself entirely to his work.

 

Works of art by Antoni Gaudí

Antoni Gaudí created works of art that have become emblems of Catalan modernism.. He managed to create some of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona and the world. To learn more about his legacy, here we leave you a list of Antoni Gaudí’s most important and recognised works of art.

 

The Holy Family

It is Gaudí’s masterpiece and his most ambitious project. Although he began work on it in 1883, the basilica is still under construction. Its design combines Gothic and modernist elements with a structure inspired by nature. It is a unique temple in the world.

 

Parc Güell

It is a park that was originally designed as a private residential complex, although this project never came to fruition. Today it is one of the most visited spaces in Barcelona. Here we can see the use of Gaudí’s trencadís, sculptures and spaces with organic shapes and very bright colors, all 100% Gaudí.

 

Batlló House

It is a building remodeled by Gaudí and is located in the middle of Passeig de Gràcia. It has an undulating facade full of mosaics that refers to a sea in movement. Its interior is like entering a world under the sea.

 

Casa Milà or La Pedrera

It is a building that was revolutionary in its time, as it broke with all the architectural norms of the time. Gaudí carried out a structure without load-bearing walls and a roof with sculpted chimneys that, to this day, still leave us with our mouths open.

 

Casa Vicens

It was his first major project. And in this building you can already see some of the characteristic elements of his style, such as decorative ceramics, geometric shapes and the importance of nature in his aesthetic conception.

 

As we can see, the city of Barcelona is the main setting for Gaudí’s work.. And, precisely, Gaudí’s monuments attract a large number of visitors every year to enjoy the art of this unique architect. Thanks to Gaudí, Barcelona is today a benchmark of modernism and many of its buildings have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO. and many of its buildings have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

 

Gaudí and Catalan Modernism

Catalan modernisme was an artistic and architectural movement that took place during the turn of the century in Catalonia.. Antoni Gaudí was its greatest exponent. and his style was characterized by:

 

• The use of trencadís: it is the mosaic technique that he used in many of his works to add color and texture to surfaces. It is also, the style from which our brand, Barcino Designs, draws its inspirationin the elaboration of our collection and decoration pieces.
• Organic formsGaudí opted for forms inspired by nature, with curves and structures that imitate the shapes of trees, bones and shells.
• Natural inspiration: Its architecture reflects elements such as beehives, mountains, waves and surrounding structures.

 

Gaudí’s relationship with Eusebi Güell

One of the most important relationships in Gaudí’s life was with Eusebi Güell, a Catalan industrialist and businessman who became his patron. Güell was in charge of giving him financial support, so Gaudí was able to carry out some of his most ambitious projects, such as the Palau Güell, the crypt of the Colònia Güell and the Parc Güell.

 

In what year did Gaudí die?

On June 7, 1926, Antoni Gaudí was run over by a streetcar in Barcelona. After the accident, he did not receive immediate medical assistance because people thought he was a beggar and, as we have already explained, the architect’s last years were totally focused on the construction of the Sagrada Familia and Gaudí did not even take care of his appearance.

He was taken to the Hospital de la Santa Creu, where he stayed for three days without anyone knowing that the man was the prestigious architect Antoni Gaudí. When it was finally known, it was too late to save him. Gaudí died on June 10, 1926, at the age of 73..

On June 12, his funeral was held and his body was buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Família, the temple to which he dedicated his life. Today, his tomb remains an essential place for admirers of his oeuvre and his work.