A Life in Lleida and Beyond
Jaume Ferrer II was a painter from Lleida, Spain, who was active during the second stage of the International Gothic period. He likely trained in the workshop of his father, Jaume Ferrer I, located in Lleida. His professional life saw him residing in various locations, including a two-year stay in Verdú around 1434, where he received important commissions. He also maintained a significant presence in Lleida, serving as a painter for the Seu Vella and working as a painter of banners, standards, and flags. His workshop, located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, was a successor to the workshop of Pere Teixidor and included his sons, Baltasar and Mateu.
His career involved significant professional roles within the local community, including serving as a councilor and an almotacín. In 1441, he worked for the cathedral of Lleida, where he was tasked with stripping and preparing a large altarpiece for repainting by Bernardo Martorell. His artistic output continued through 1461, the last year he is documented in the city.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
The style of Jaume Ferrer II evolved through his contact with various European currents, including the works of the Florentine painter Dello Delli and the Valencian painting of Pere Nicolau. His technique is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, often describing reality with the precision of an inventory. This is evident in his depictions of interior scenes containing furniture, books, vases of flowers, and animals such as cats, rats, and chickens. He demonstrated a sophisticated ability to use light to create depth, particularly in the shadows cast by objects on a desk.
His notable works include:
