Antonio Saura (1930–1998) was a Spanish painter, printmaker, and draughtsman known for his intense, gestural works that combine abstraction with figurative forms. Largely self-taught, Saura began his career exploring Surrealism but gradually moved toward a rawer, more expressionistic style.

A pivotal moment came in the mid-1950s when he met André Breton in Paris. This encounter, combined with the political repression under Francisco Franco in Spain, led Saura to develop a style that was deeply personal, emotionally charged, and politically resonant. His paintings often feature distorted figures and fragmented forms, conveying the anguish, tension, and existential concerns of his time.

Saura was associated with the European avant-garde, including the CoBrA group, and later collaborated with the Situationist International, a movement influenced by Dada and Surrealism that sought to challenge conventional notions of art and its social role. He also co-founded the El Paso group in Spain, which championed Art Informel and promoted experimental approaches to painting.

Throughout his career, Saura received significant recognition, including the Guggenheim Prize in 1960 and the Carnegie Prize in 1964. His works are held in major museums and collections worldwide, reflecting his lasting impact on postwar European art and his role as one of Spain’s foremost modern painters.