V. de Espona
Estudio Portillo · Personal archiveBiography
From practising law in Barcelona to creating monumental sculptures in Marbella, Vicente de Espona's life spanned a war, two continents and a scandal that drove him away from the institutional art world — before he found his defining artistic language in bronze and stone.
He was born on 24 March 1918 in Valencia. When he was five, his family moved to Barcelona, where he began his studies with the Jesuits and developed an early interest in drawing and art.
The Spanish Civil War left a deep mark on him: he was awarded the Military Medal, was held captive at the Vallmajor checa and was named a Knight of Spain.
He studied law at the University of Barcelona, pursued doctoral studies and worked as a legal adviser to Banco Popular Español. Art, however, remained a constant part of his life.
He took a leave of absence and crossed the Atlantic. A determined self-taught artist, he made a living through art while working in many fields: architectural drafting, graphic design, set design, interior decoration and property development. Each gave him another way to use his talent.
He opened his first public studio in São Paulo, working in painting, sculpture and printmaking, and held annual exhibitions across Brazil. He also illustrated books and pioneered theatrical window displays.
In Londrina, he created a monumental 125 m² stone mural. At an exhibition of religious art, he uncovered and publicly denounced a corruption scandal — an episode that led him to turn away from institutional art competitions for good.
After a brief return to São Paulo, he settled permanently in Spain. He sought the tranquillity he needed for his work in Sant Esteve de Palautordera, among the mountains of Montseny.
He settled in Marbella, where his artistic language grew deeper and more symbolic. His works from this period include the Trono de la Pollinica in wood and bronze, the Sol de Marbella mural, the Monumento a Andalucía and his crowning achievement, Síntesis, in San Pedro de Alcántara — a twelve-metre-high work that is both abstract and spiritual.
“Man, remember God.”
Inscription on Síntesis · San Pedro de Alcántara · 12 m