Eugenio Oliva

Eugenio Oliva y Rodrigo (12 February 1852 in Palencia – March 1925 in Villaconejos) was a Spanish painter, primarily known for his murals.

His father was a farmer from Murcia with artistic aspirations. He and his brother José were enrolled in the "Escuela Municipal de Dibujo de Palencia". Around 1873, he went to Madrid to continue his studies at the "Escuela Superior de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado", a school associated with the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. He also found a position in the workshops of Germán Hernández Amores (1823-1894), a painter from Murcia who may have known his father.

He did well in his studies, but showings at the National Exhibitions in 1876 and 1878 were disappointing. However, later in 1878, a place opened up at the "Academia Española de Bellas Artes de Roma" and a competition was held to fill it. He won the competition and was awarded a stipend to go to Rome. Shortly after, he married the daughter of an actor named Francisco Bueno and they went together in 1879.

While there, he sent numerous works back to Spain (as required); mostly on Biblical and Classical themes. He also visited Venice and Naples, doing paintings on lighter subjects. After four years, he received his qualifications and was awarded second place at the National Exhibition of 1884 for his painting of Cervantes.

Upon returning to Madrid, he attempted to build a clientele, but things did not go well until late in 1885 when Casto Plasencia, representing the Basílica of San Francisco el Grande, commissioned him to decorate the Chapel of Carlos III on the theme of the Immaculate Conception. In 1889, this work earned him the Order of Isabel the Catholic. It also led to a commission to decorate the meeting room of the Caja Madrid with allegories on the Cardinal Virtues.

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