19th century Spanish school

19th century Spanish school
"Man with his back turned".
Charcoal drawing on paper.
Apocryphal signature "A. Arteta" in the lower right corner.
Paper with dirt and slight lack. The frame is damaged.
Measurements: 50 x 35,5 cm; 71 x 62 cm (frame).

Aurelio Arteta began his studies at the School of Arts and Crafts of Bilbao, and later extended them at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. In 1902 he obtained a scholarship that allowed him to travel to Paris, where he completed his training. Later he also visited Italy. He was founder of the Association of Basque Artists, and carried out important commissions such as the frescoes of the Bank of Bilbao in Madrid. In 1924 he was appointed first director of the recently created Museum of Modern Art of Bilbao, and six years later he received the National Painting Prize. He was also awarded the first medal at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1932. He is currently represented in the Fine Arts Museums of Bilbao and Alava, the Museum of San Telmo in San Sebastian and in numerous private collections.