Joaquín Sorolla (born in Valencia 1863 - died in Cercedilla 1923) is one of the most successful Spanish painters ever. He was a genius in capturing the essence of the scene and the soul of the person he was painting. Sorolla painted a large number of portraits, even though it is said he didn´t like doing them. For doing something he detested he certainly did it magnificently. In this volume some of the portraits from his formative period 1863 -1888 as well as his consolidation period 1889 -1899 are presented. Sorolla lived while photography was being invented and popularized. Her was fortunate that the nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie still liked to have their portraits painted. He also painted many Spanish painters, writers and politicians and his portraits are a great introduction to Spanish society and politics of the day as well as Spanish history.