20th Century Catalan School – Portrait of an Elderly Woman

Unsigned.

Sizes:
Frame: 61 × 53 cm | 24 × 20.9 in
Artwork: 46 × 37.5 cm | 18.1 × 14.8 in

This powerful and dignified oil on canvas portrait depicts an elderly woman, rendered with a profound sense of realism and psychological depth. The subject is presented in a frontal view, dressed in a somber black high-necked garment that emphasizes the weathered, expressive features of her face. The artist utilizes a rich, tonal palette of ochres and umbers in the background, employing vigorous, visible brushwork that creates a vibrant, textured surface contrasting with the smooth, detailed rendering of the woman’s skin.

The work reflects the influence of Late Realism or Early Impressionist portraiture, where the focus lies on capturing the character and life history written in the subject’s gaze. The subtle interplay of light across the forehead and cheeks highlights the folds of time, while her steady, direct look provides a sense of quiet resilience. On the reverse, the piece features an antique framer’s label from Pascal in Béziers, France, and a manufacturer’s stamp (A.L.), grounding the work’s provenance in the French artistic tradition of the turn of the century.

Housed in a magnificent, heavy-set gilded frame with ornate floral corner motifs, the painting is in excellent vintage condition. The frame’s opulence serves to elevate the humble dignity of the subject, making it a commanding addition to a collection of classical portraiture or a sophisticated focal point in a traditional study.

Private Collection Barcelona.

Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Framed.

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