Rafael Zabaleta y Fuentes (1907-1960) was a prominent Spanish painter known for his vibrant depictions of Andalusian rural life. Born in Quesada, Jaén, his work was deeply influenced by the landscapes and people of his homeland. Zabaleta studied at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, where he was exposed to traditional Spanish art and contemporary European movements, particularly Cubism. In the 1930s, Zabaleta traveled to Paris, where he encountered the works of Picasso and Braque, which significantly impacted his artistic development. His mature style, characterized by bold colors, geometric forms, and monumental figures, reflects a synthesis of Cubist techniques and a deep connection to his rural roots. Zabaleta’s paintings often depicted scenes of agricultural labor and rural life, portraying the dignity and resilience of the Andalusian people. Despite working in relative isolation, his work gained recognition in Spain and abroad, with exhibitions in major cities and international venues like the Venice Biennale. Zabaleta passed away unexpectedly in 1960, but his legacy endures, particularly in the town of Quesada, where a museum dedicated to his work was established. His art remains celebrated for its emotional depth and unique fusion of modernism and tradition.