The Museum of Valencia has unveiled an exhibition that has already sparked much discussion among art enthusiasts and aficionados of Spanish cultural history. For the first time, four previously unknown drawings featuring a nude Concha Piquer (Concha Piquer), created by Manuel Benedito (Manuel Benedito)—one of the most prominent artists of his era and a disciple of the renowned Joaquín Sorolla (Joaquín Sorolla)—are being presented to the general public. These works have caused a real sensation, as until now they had been kept in the artist’s archive and never left its walls.
Concha Piquer, who first rose to fame on the stages of New York in her youth, became one of the brightest stars of the Madrid scene upon her return to Spain. It was during this period that she met Benedito, already an acclaimed portrait painter. A swift sense of trust developed between the singer and the artist, enabling Benedito not only to paint her official portrait but also to embark on a series of more personal, intimate sketches. In these works, Piquer is depicted in a relaxed pose, with a slight smile, lending the drawings a sense of warmth and naturalness.
Creation story
Concha Piquer and Manuel Benedito crossed paths in Madrid, where the singer returned after spending several years in the United States. Her mother remained in Valencia, while Concha, homesick, read novels by Blasco Ibáñez (Blasco Ibáñez) and dreamed of coming home. At 18, she made the move, and soon after became a true star in Spain. It was then that she approached Benedito, asking him to paint her portrait.
The artist, who was already 51 at the time, was known not only as a student of Sorolla, but also as an independent master with his own style. His technique was marked by a decorative approach and attention to detail, as well as a knack for capturing the sitter’s character. While working, he and Piquer developed a special atmosphere of trust, which allowed them to create not only an official portrait but also a series of candid drawings, now shown to the public for the very first time.
Exhibition in Valencia
The exhibition “Manuel Benedito. El pintor y los modelos” became the main cultural event in Valencia this year. It is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth and features 65 works—both paintings and graphic art. A special focus is given to four drawings of the nude Concha Piquer, which have never before been shown to the public.
Exhibition curator Pascual Masiá notes that these drawings impress not only with their technical mastery but also with their unique atmosphere. In them, Piquer is depicted in a classical pose, but with an unusually lively, sincere smile. The artist managed to convey not just her outward beauty, but also the inner freedom and confidence of the young singer.
Benedito’s legacy
Manuel Benedito was more than just a student of Sorolla—he developed his own artistic language, blending the traditions of the Spanish school with influences from European movements. His works stand out for their subtle color palette, attention to light and shadow, and a distinctive approach to his subjects. The exhibition features not only portraits, but also genre scenes and sketches, offering insight into the artist’s creative journey.
The exhibition in Valencia is a rare opportunity to see works that are usually kept in private collections. For fans of Benedito’s art and Spanish cultural history, this event has become a true discovery. Of particular interest are the drawings featuring Concha Piquer, as they shed light on a lesser-known side of both the artist’s life and the story of his famous muse.
