Joaquim Muntañola dies

The humorist, artist, author and famous Culé, Joaquim Muntañola Puig passed away this Monday. He was 97-years-old. After Valentí Castanys, Muntañola is considered to be the most important football cartoonist in Catalonia.

Joaquim Muntañola, born in Barcelona on April 9th, 1914, was one of the most popular artists in Catalonia. The artist, who contributed to the weekly ‘Barça’ magazine since the 50s, started his career in 1929. He contributed to the El Be Negre, Xut!, En Parufet, TBO and Papitu. After the war he worked with La Vanguardia, El Correo Catalán, Vida Deportiva, Barcelona Deportiva, Dicen..., El Mundo Deportivo, Lean, Barça and Revista Barcelonaista. He was a successful novelist, playwright, joke-book author - he was also an avid sculptor.

Muntañola, a huge Barça fan, counted Boisca, Seguer, the Gonzalvo and Kubala amongst his friends, he drew them like no other. He always considered it a privilege to be able to enjoy drawing and writing about his Club, he was very proud of the entity’s independent spirit. As a good Clué, he was very clear: “I always want Barça to win and I don’t care who plays or who the president is.”

On March 4th, 2000, the Retired FC Barcelona Players Group paid tribute to the artist, men of note, like Enric Gensana, Estanislau Basora and Antoni Ramallets figured amongst the attendees. Muntañola, who won the Creu de Sant Jordi that year, was distinguished with the gold insignia of the FCB Group. (via FCBarcelona.com)