Virxilio Viéitez

photographer

Spanish b. 23 October 1930, Soutelo de Montes, Pontevedra, Spain^[1] d. 15 July 2008, Soutelo de Montes, Pontevedra, Spain^[1] active 1955–2008

Virxilio Viéitez (1930–2008) was a prominent Spanish photographer known for his documentary and ethnographic work in rural Galicia. Born in Soutelo de Montes, he began his career in construction before moving to the Costa Brava, where he worked as a portrait photographer for tourists. He returned to his native village in 1955, opening a studio that became a repository of social history. His work captures the daily life of rural families—baptisms, weddings, and funerals—as well as the profound impact of emigration on the region. Stylistically characterized by technical precision and an innovative use of staging (scenography), his images are noted for their realism and clarity. He was a contemporary and friend of Cartier-Bresson, who included one of Viéitez's photographs in his book 'Mis fotos favoritas'.^[1,2]

• rural life
• emigration
• ethnography
• portraiture