A remarkable double-sided sheet attributed to Mariano Bertuchi, dated 1950. The recto features a vibrant watercolor portrait of the iconic actress Ingrid Bergman mid-laughter, accompanied by a pencil study of a young child. Below the portrait, a handwritten caption reads: “Ingrid Bergman enjoyed a big laugh.”
On the verso, a poignant pencil sketch depicts a group of weary soldiers—American GIs who survived a massacre, according to the inscription below: “These GI’s who escaped Red massacres, are flown to rear homes.” The contrasting tones of celebrity glamour and wartime trauma offer a rare narrative duality and emotional range from the artist.
Private collection, Marbella. Acquired by the current owner at a Spanish auction around 10 years ago.
Very good condition overall. Minor age-related toning and edge wear consistent with the period. The sheet remains structurally sound and both recto and verso are clearly legible and visually impactful.
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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.
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