Leopoldo Romanach (1862 - 1951). Leopoldo Romañach y Guillen was a renowned Cuban artist and educator. Though his family initially steered him towards a business career, his artistic passion prevailed. His early education in Barcelona exposed him to the works of the renowned Catalan painter Mariano Fortuny, who left a lasting impression on his artistic style. After returning to Cuba in 1877, Romañach enrolled at the prestigious San Alejandro Academy in Havana in 1885. There, he honed his skills under the guidance of Miguel Melero. His dedication was rewarded in 1889 when he received a scholarship to study at the Free School of Painting in Italy. This European sojourn further enriched his artistic development and provided him with opportunities to showcase his work at the Associazionne Artistico Internazionale, where he garnered recognition through several awards. In 1895, Romañach ventured to New York City, where he established himself as a painter for a few years. However, Cuba remained his artistic home. He returned to Havana in 1900 and secured a professorship in color theory at his alma mater, San Alejandro. This pivotal role allowed him to significantly influence three generations of Cuban artists. Romañach was known for his open-mindedness towards new artistic trends, fostering a vibrant learning environment at San Alejandro. His students, including prominent figures like Pastor Argudín Pedroso and Amelia Peláez, revered him not only for his academic expertise but also for his receptiveness to modern art movements. Throughout his career, Romañach's artistic achievements were widely celebrated. He participated in numerous international exhibitions, receiving prestigious awards like the Gold Medal at the Saint Louis Exposition and the Grand Prize at the Havana Exposition. In recognition of his immense contribution to Cuban art, the Republic of Cuba bestowed upon him the Great Cross of the National Order of Merit of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in 1950. Following his passing in Havana on September 1, 1951, Romañach's legacy continued to be honored. Exhibitions showcased his work throughout the 20th century, and the Escuela Provincial de Artes Plásticas Leopoldo Romañach in Santa Clara stands as a testament to his enduring influence on Cuban art education.