This captivating double portrait attributed to Mariano Bertuchi reveals the artist’s rare foray into modern portraiture, infused with a cinematic elegance and warmth. Rendered in delicate watercolor, the two young actresses—identified by pencil inscriptions as Nancy Sinatra and Ava Gardner—emerge from the page with expressive vitality and emotive nuance.
Bertuchi’s brushwork evokes a spontaneous immediacy, capturing both figures in moments of poised contemplation and vibrant presence. The transparent washes and soft textures of watercolor lend the composition a luminous intimacy, while the handwritten notes and date (1950) offer a window into the artist’s fascination with contemporary celebrity culture during his travels.
Presented on a single sheet and preserved in remarkable condition, this work stands as a unique and personal fragment of Bertuchi’s artistic journey—at once nostalgic, feminine, and deeply human.
Private collection, Marbella. Acquired by the current owner at a Spanish auction around 10 years ago.
Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Unframed.
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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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