Early Life and Education Born: May 21, 1857, in Caracas, Venezuela Parents: Italian trader father and Venezuelan mother of French and Spanish descent (descendant of Gabriel de Ávila) Early Studies: Sent to France at age 15 to study commerce. Return to Caracas: Worked as an assistant in a fabric trading business for four years but found it unfulfilling. Second Trip to France (1877): Returned to France due to health reasons and pursued artistic studies. Académie Julian: Enrolled at the Académie Julian, studying under Jean-Paul Laurens. Artistic Development and Influences Impre…