







Spanish (Catalan) Painter
Lluís Borrassà came from a family of painters in Girona and moved to Barcelona to establish a large, successful workshop. He is one of the few medieval artists with a large body of documented work, including over thirty retables. These altarpieces featured a unique structural element called a guardapolvos. This slanted wooden frame functioned as a dust guard to protect the painted surfaces from falling masonry in large Gothic cathedrals.
Biography
His artistic method merged local Catalan styles with the International Gothic movement. Borrassà prioritised narrative storytelling rather than the static, isolated figures common in earlier periods. His early work, such as the Beheading of John the Baptist, shows a preference for Italianate figures and decorative drapery. In later commissions like the Retable of St. Peter in Tarrasa, he adopted a more theatrical style. He used sharp lines and clear colours to organise his complex religious scenes.
Modern collectors appreciate the clear visual structure found in his multi-panel compositions. Borrassà represents the transition from medieval symbolism toward the realism of the early Renaissance. The vertical divisions and rhythmic layout of his retables offer a balanced aesthetic for home galleries. His focus on human expression and physical detail gives his work a sense of presence. These prints provide a connection to the craftsmanship of fifteenth-century Spain.
Notable Works
Tap to view larger.
Next stop
Browse the movements →
Every movement in the collection, from the Renaissance to Pop art.
Spanish (Catalan) Painter prints
Hand-finished archival prints from Spanish (Catalan) Painter's body of work.
Take Spanish (Catalan) Painter home.
See all Spanish (Catalan) Painter prints →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish (Catalan) Painter known for?
Spanish (Catalan) Painter is known for lluís Borrassà was a leading Catalan painter of the International Gothic style known for his large-scale altarpieces and dramatic narrative panels.

