Enrique García Cabrera was born on February 5, 1893, in Havana and died on September 25, 1949. Although he was not a long-lived artist, he did have time to leave behind a significant body of work and establish his own style, marked by the brilliant colors and magnificence that permeate each of his paintings.

After completing his painting studies, he traveled to Europe, which allowed him to come into contact with the main currents then in vogue in the Old World. By 1914, at the age of 21, he was back in Cuba. He also distinguished himself as a notable draftsman, painting portraits and designing several covers for important magazines, such as Bohemia.

He was one of the first Cuban artists to take an interest in design and commercial painting, with encouraging results. He established an interesting dialogue with the decorative, and his influence has been reflected in several public buildings in the city, such as the panels on the doors of the main entrance to the National Capitol, among others that showcase García Cabrera’s exquisite aesthetic taste.

He also served as a professor and director of the San Alejandro Academy, holding the latter position from 1942 until his death. There, he performed a notable teaching career and gave several lectures that provide insight into his views on art and its commercialization, such as “Futurism and the Art Market.”

Many of his works are preserved in the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba, while others belong to private collectors. Among his most notable works are Cecilia Valdés, Anacaona, Figures at Night, Mr. Miguel Humara at the Country Club, Casa Arrechabala, Colonial Trapiche, Peasant Maternity, and Worker Maternity. His aesthetic principles contributed to the development of many artists who continued his work after the triumph of the Revolution in 1959.