Rusiñol dalt d'un llum de ferro forjat (Rusiñol Perched on a Wrought Iron Chandelier)

"Rusiñol dalt d’un llum de ferro forjat (Rusiñol atop a Wrought Iron Lamp), an oil painting by Casas dating from 1893, has been one of the most emblematic works associated with Catalan Modernist bohemians ever since it was reproduced on the cover of the Josep Pla book Rusiñol y su tiempo (Rusiñol and his Time) from 1942. In fact, from his youth until the end of his days, the image of Rusiñol had been the subject of illustrators and painters, and the fodder for the irony of caricaturists. Among the prolific iconography by artists like M. T. Müller, Càndid Duran, Zuloaga, Ramon Pichot and Picasso, the series of portraits dedicated to him by his good friend Ramon Casas stands out. The reason why Casas made this portrait is part of the culmination of Rusiñol’s image as a collector of wrought iron after the lecture at the Ateneu Barcelonès, Mis hierros viejos (My Old Wrought-Iron Pieces) on the 21st January 1893. Even until today, it is believed to portray Rusiñol punished by Casas for having spent a long time seated on the ceiling lamp because Casas had removed the ladder to get down, so in vengeance Rusiñol made Casas spend a few hours on rocks located under Cau Ferrat. However, this story has nothing to do with the real reason behind the work. This work is a testimony to Ramon Casas’ affection towards Rusiñol, revealed through his two main passions: collecting and painting. (Museu del Cau Ferrat, Sitges, 32008)"