Antoni Gaudí was a native of Catalonia, Spain, and a supporter of Catalan modernism, a style closely associated with Art Nouveau, before creating his own unique style. His buildings are known around the world, although the most famous is probably La Basílica de la Sagrada Família, which is still under construction. It will be completed in 2026.
At the time of writing this, seven of his buildings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and although his popularity has plummeted since his death, as evidenced by the horrific destruction of many of the plans and designs, his work still attracts the world.
Gaudí Found Inspiration Everywhere
Nature and Roman Catholicism were his main inspiration, with his faith growing later in life and seeing religious images in most of his works. Gaudí accepted the title of the architect of God and was called to be saved!
Crafts have also influenced this architect, and if you look at his work, you will see the effects of blacksmithing, pottery, fire painting, and forged work, which is also often part of it.
He Suffered From A Medical Condition
Gaudí was a sick child who suffered from rheumatism, which led to many other health problems and led him to vegetarianism. However, this may seem like a blessing in disguise, as it means that he spent most of his compulsory military service on sick leave, which allowed him to escape the Third Charles War and continue to study architecture.
Promise From An Early Age
Gaudí himself had many clients as a draftsman and university student for renowned architects Cèsar Martinell, Brunet, Joan Rubió, and Bellver. At the Paris World’s Fair in 1888, he exhibited a beautiful display case of his design for the Compañía Trasatlántica building, which won him several major contracts. It is safe to say that in a world where everything is explored, Gaudí has no problem spreading the word about his work like wildfire!
He Led A Life Full Of Abundance
Unlike gambling in Canada, Gaudí was not a man known for keeping things simple, as his building designs would lead one to believe. He dressed in the best clothes, dined on extravagant meals, and arrived at his sites with flair traveling in his horse-drawn carriage!
Things changed towards the end of his life. He went in the opposite direction, changing his style to the point that he was sometimes mistaken for a tramp. Unfortunately, this change had a tragic result.
When he died, Gaudí was hit and left unconscious by a tram, but his injuries were not life-threatening at the time of impact, and with immediate medical attention he would’ve survived. But, due to his scruffy attire and lack of identification, he was thought to be a beggar and did not receive the medicine that would have saved his life.
His untimely death is proof that judging a book by its cover is ill advised. It also begs the question, what creations would he have come up with in the additional years he would’ve lived? Unfortunately, we will never know.