Audioguía Pasillo 3

Ulpiano Checa

Colmenar de Oreja, April 3, 1860 - Dax (France), January 5, 1916

"His name passes from one person to another, his personal appearance, his modesty do not reveal at first glance what he has been capable of. If you ask him, he is the first to be surprised; but with a decisive blow, he has placed himself in the forefront."

("La Ilustración". Barcelona, July 17, 1867)

"But no one would believe that upon seeing that young man, of a pleasant and distinguished appearance, of medium height, with a peaceful gaze, who at not infrequent intervals seems to drift off into vagueness or melancholy, with a beard sparse like that of an Arab, a leisurely gait and somewhat tired postures, that beneath his forehead, despite the well-accentuated protrusions, hides so much light and strength. And yet, he managed to create a work of power and semi-wild violence, in whose conception one can see the outburst of genius."

("El Globo". Madrid. August 9, 1894)

"Despite his great talent and the honorable attentions he has received, Mr. Ulpiano Checa is a very modest man. Although aware of his worth, he does not like to boast. He prefers the opinion of sincere people to vain flattery. He is very demanding of himself and is not easily satisfied with his work. Above all, he is a hard worker; he considers study as his greatest pleasure."

("El Pueblo", Azul, Argentina. 1902)

"In his upright head, his eyes stood out, shining with extraordinary vivacity, as if his pupils were intoxicated with light, his laughter, which often lit up his face, a manly face framed in a soft chestnut beard, and the kind air of his demeanor provided him with a pleasant appearance."

("El Tiempo". Buenos Aires. May 25, 1902)

"Nevertheless, he never forgot his town, his humble origin, nor his country, a man who loved family and friends, who had left his mark in Colmenar de Oreja, he maintained for them the greatest affections of his heart, a generous heart that knew how to maintain the charm of his simplicity throughout his triumphant career."

("El Debate Madrid. January 12, 1916)