1 Early Life and Education

⇦ Back to Life and background of antoni gaudí

Childhood and Family Background

Antoni Gaudí was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, a small town in Catalonia, Spain. He was the youngest of five children in a family of coppersmiths. His father, Francesc Gaudí i Serra, was a skilled craftsman who taught his son the value of hard work and attention to detail. Gaudí's mother, Antonia Cornet i Bertran, was a devout Catholic who instilled in him a deep faith that would influence his work throughout his life.

Early Education and Interest in Art

Gaudí attended primary school in Reus and later studied at the Escoles Pies de Reus, a school run by the Piarist order. He showed an early interest in art and was known for his skill in drawing and painting. In 1868, he moved to Barcelona to study at the Llotja School, where he learned the principles of classical architecture and design.

Architecture Studies and Influences

In 1873, Gaudí enrolled at the Barcelona Higher School of Architecture, where he studied under the renowned architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. It was during this time that Gaudí began to develop his unique style, which was influenced by a variety of sources, including Gothic and Moorish architecture, nature, and his deep Catholic faith.

Early Works and Career

After completing his studies in 1878, Gaudí began working as an assistant to the architect Joan Martorell. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs and attention to detail. In 1883, he was commissioned to design the Casa Vicens, a private residence in Barcelona. The building, which features colorful tiles and intricate ironwork, is considered one of Gaudí's early masterpieces.

Conclusion

Antoni Gaudí's childhood, family background, and education played a significant role in shaping his unique style and approach to architecture. His early interest in art, combined with his studies in classical architecture and his deep Catholic faith, led him to develop a style that was both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Gaudí's early works, such as the Casa Vicens, set the stage for his later masterpieces, which would come to define the city of Barcelona and inspire architects around the world.

Now let's see if you've learned something...

2 Major Influences ⇨