Joaquín Sorolla was born in Valencia, Spain on February 27, 1863. His father was a tradesman, also named Joaquin Sorolla, and his mother was Concepción Bastida. Sorolla began painting at the age of four  and focused on drawing by the time he was five years old. In 1865 when Sorolla was  two years old his parents died, possibly from cholera. He was then taken care of by his aunt and uncle who worked as a locksmith.

The subjects of his pictures are generally serious and drawn from real life, though some are purely ideal; they are mostly taken from rural life in Galicia, or of fishermen at sea. He is particularly noted for his masterly treatment of moonlight effects. His work shows the influence of Dutch painters like Pieter de Hooch and Johannes Vermeer, Spanish painters like Diego Velázquez, Zurbarán and Francisco de Goya, but also more remote influences. 

10 Most Outstanding Artworks by JOAQUIN SOROLLA Y BASTIDA

1. Al Eau

2. A Roof top with Flowers

3. After the Bath 1916

4. Afternoon Sun Playa de Valencia

5. Aim of Ibiza

6. Albano Valencia Going for a Swim Valencia

7. Alcantara bridge Toledo

8. Almond of Asis

9. Alqueria Valenciana

10. Farmhouse in Alcira