Placido Frances Y Pascual was born in Alcoy in 1834, and began his artistic training in Valencia at the Academy of San Carlos de Valencia, but moved to Madrid in 1854 to complete his studies. There Placido enrolled as a student at the San Fernando Academy in Madrid, later, in 1861, he was appointed Professor of the School of Fine Arts in Valencia and later of Arts and Industries in Madrid.

In 1882 he was awarded the Cross of Carlos III. Antonio Cortina Farinós was one of his best known students. In 1862, Placido made decorations for the "Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas" in Valencia.

Four years later, he painted Venus medallions on the ceiling with putti and cherubs for the ballroom of the palace. Placido worked on t...