Meifrèn is an obvious exponent of the symbiosis of tradition and modernism —tradition in terms of his style of painting, and also his tireless depiction of landscapes, almost as if it were handcrafted reproduction; and modernism because of his connection with the avant-garde movements of his time.

Thanks to several trips to Paris, he was acquainted first hand with the beginnings of the Impressionist movement, which initially did not interest him much. However, little by little, he became less committed with Naturalism and evolved towards a more luminous painting which eschewed nostalgic atmospheres. That was the reason why he is widely considered as one of the pioneers of Impressionism in Spain.

He was a very prolific artist, was fond of seascapes, a theme quite recurrent in his work and which won him a loyal following. Always in love with the Mediterranean, he was a pioneer in exploring the beauty of Mallorca and the Costa Brava. The artist was always visually fascinated by these maritime compositions, as well as landscapes. The affable tone of his scenes and their impeccable technique won him public recognition akin to that enjoyed by his colleagues Joaquim Mir (1873-1940) and Santiago Rusiñol (1861-1931).

El port de Barcelona (The Port of Barcelona) depicts some sailing boats on a placid sea. A masterly devised composition is defined by a deep perspective and a refined elongated and open execution. As an accomplished colourist, here Meifrèn used a very rich palette of greys, marking contrasts of light and shadow projected on a silvery sea which boasts great gestural prowess. This peaceful, serene, imperturbable scene seems to carry away the beholder on a maritime adventure.