Antoni Tàpies i Puig, Marquis of Tàpies (Barcelona, December 13, 1923 - Barcelona, February 6, 2012), was one of the most influential Spanish painters of the 20th century. Born into a family of Catalan intellectuals and politicians, Tàpies grew up in a liberal environment that shaped his convictions and artistic influences.

As a teenager, while recovering from a lung illness in a sanatorium, Tàpies began copying works by masters such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. During this period, he also developed an interest in Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, and read authors like Nietzsche and Dostoevsky.

Although he initially studied law at the University of Barcelona, Tàpies soon abandoned that path to fully dedicate himself to art. Over the following years, he developed a style influenced by existentialism and surrealism, with strong elements of European informalism. His work, characterized by rich textures and the use of unconventional materials, reflects a deep meditation on the human condition and Catalan culture.

A supporter of the Catalan cause, Tàpies was a vocal critic of the Franco regime and was imprisoned for his activism. His international recognition grew during the 1970s, with exhibitions in renowned museums worldwide. In 1990, he founded the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art.

Tàpies received numerous honors throughout his life, including the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts (1990) and the Gold Medal of the Generalitat of Catalonia (1983). In 1996, he was awarded the rank of Grand Officer of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword in Portugal. He passed away in Barcelona on February 6, 2012.