Julio González i Pellicer, born on September 21, 1876, in Barcelona, Spain, emerged as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern sculpture, renowned for his innovative use of iron as a medium. His journey from a metalsmith's workshop in Barcelona to the avant-garde circles of Paris charts the trajectory of a deeply influential artist whose legacy continues to resonate in contemporary art. González hailed from a lineage steeped in the tradition of metalwork; his grandfather was a goldsmith, and his father, Concordio González, was a skilled metalsmith who imparted the techniques of working with gold, silver, and iron to his sons. This early immersion in the craft laid the foundation for González's artistic explorations. The family's workshop became a crucible for his burgeoning skills, further honed at the Circol Artist Sant Luc, a Catholic school influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which advocated for the unity of art and craft. The turn of the 20th century marked a significant transition for González. Following the death of his father in 1896, the family decided to move to Paris in 1900, seeking new horizons. Paris, with its vibrant artistic community, offered fertile ground for González's creative aspirations. It was here that he rekindled his friendship with Pablo Picasso, a connection that would profoundly influence his artistic direction. Despite initially gravitating towards painting, González's encounter with the avant-garde movements of Cubism, Constructivism, and Surrealism steered him towards sculpture, a domain where he would leave an indelible mark. González's early career was characterized by a diverse artistic output, including painting, drawing, and decorative metalwork. However, it was his pioneering work with iron that distinguished him. His collaboration with Picasso in the late 1920s, particularly in the realm of welded iron sculpture, was instrumental in this regard. González imparted his technical knowledge to Picasso, facilitating their joint exploration of this medium. This period was marked by experimentation and innovation, as González sought to "draw in space" with iron, integrating space as a constructive element in his compositions. The 1930s and 1940s witnessed González's maturation as an artist. His sculptures from this period, characterized by their abstract and expressive use of iron, reflected the tumultuous socio-political landscape of Europe, particularly the Spanish Civil War. Works such as "Montserrat I" (1936–37) encapsulate González's response to the horrors and injustices of the war, combining a naturalistic style with a profound emotional resonance. González's later years were shadowed by the Spanish Civil War and the onset of World War II. The scarcity of materials and the personal toll of the conflicts led to a decrease in his sculptural output. Nevertheless, he continued to engage with themes of suffering and resistance, as evident in his focus on the motif of "Montserrat," representing the screaming head of a peasant woman. Julio González passed away on March 27, 1942, in Arcueil, France, leaving behind a body of work that fundamentally transformed the landscape of modern sculpture. His innovative approach to iron sculpture, characterized by a unique blend of abstraction and figuration, paved the way for future generations of artists. González's legacy is preserved through the efforts of his daughter, Roberta González, and the Julio González Administration, which continue to promote his work and influence. Today, González's sculptures are celebrated in prestigious museums and collections worldwide, testament to his enduring impact on the art of the 20th century.

Julio Gonzalez Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749