This delicate watercolor on sketchbook paper is attributed to Mariano Bertuchi and dates to circa 1950. The composition features two elegantly dressed women—Yolande Betbeze, Miss America 1951, and Henri Schall—standing hand in hand in stylish swimsuits of the era. Their names are inscribed in pencil beneath each figure, along with references to “Alabama” and “Châtelard House, D’Lena,” suggesting a mix of personal and geographical associations.
Executed with light washes and careful attention to posture and facial expression, the drawing merges fashion illustration with portraiture. The sheet was once part of a bound sketchbook, as evidenced by the perforated top edge. It comes from a private collection in Marbella, acquired from a Spanish auction approximately ten years ago, and is part of a cohesive group of similar works.
Private collection, Marbella. Acquired by the current owner at a Spanish auction around 10 years ago.
Very good overall condition for its age. Sheet displays minor handling marks, scattered foxing spots, and light surface wear consistent with a mid-century sketchbook page. Perforation along the top edge remains intact. Verso blank with minor smudges.
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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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