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Mariano Bertuchi (1884-1955)
14.8 × 21 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in
Watercolor on Paper
200 - 300
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Buyer’s Premium: 28% (incl. IVA)
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Details

Attributed to Mariano Bertuchi, this double-sided watercolor sheet is executed with delicate fluency and offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s versatility. The recto features a two-part coastal composition: a vibrant tropical shoreline above, and a gesturing male figure facing the sea below — a study likely inspired by Andalusian or North African coastal life. The verso reveals a contrasting subject — a poised ballerina labeled “Jeanmarie,” rendered in gouache against a muted backdrop, capturing grace and character in a single stance.

This sheet belongs to a cohesive private collection of mid-century works attributed to Bertuchi, unified by format, paper, technique, and style, and believed to have been created in Spain during the 1940s–50s.

Provenance

Private collection, Marbella. Acquired by the current owner at a Spanish auction around 10 years ago.

Condition

Very good overall condition. Sheet shows light age toning, minor edge wear and faint handling marks consistent with age. Perforated edge intact. Colors remain fresh and stable. Verso clean and well preserved.

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Mariano Bertuchi
Mariano Bertuchi: Master of Spanish Orientalist Watercolors
Spanish 1884-1955

Mariano Bertuchi was a Spanish painter, illustrator, and designer best known for his evocative depictions of North African landscapes and culture. Deeply inspired by his travels in Morocco, Bertuchi developed a unique watercolor style that combined academic training with a vivid, impressionistic flair. His work captured everyday moments, military scenes, and traditional life in colonial Morocco with striking clarity and vibrant color.

An influential figure in the Orientalist movement in Spain, Bertuchi held significant roles in the visual representation of Spanish colonial presence, serving as the official painter of the Protectorate of Morocco. His contributions extended beyond the canvas—he was also a designer of stamps, banknotes, and educational materials. Today, his works are valued for both their artistic merit and their documentation of cultural and historical encounters between Spain and North Africa.

Mariano Bertuchi – Untitled watercolor with beach and male figure, recto, c. 1950
Mariano Bertuchi (1884-1955)
14.8 × 21 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in
Watercolor on Paper
Estimate: 200 - 300
How to Participate
Buyer’s Premium: 28% (incl. IVA)
Live bidding available exclusively on: