Domènec Malfeito Tanella — Portrait of a Yorkshire Terrier (1981) — Mixed media

An expressive portrait in which rapid marks convey the liveliness and character of a Yorkshire terrier.

Character in the drawing

Domènec Malfeito Tanella (Barcelona, 1936) has worked with landscape and the human figure, as well as studies from life. This work from 1981 gives the animal an alert, individual presence rather than a static formal pose.

Fur and background

Instead of describing each hair, Malfeito uses quick, energetic black strokes in charcoal or grease pencil to suggest the breed’s tousled coat. Vertical sweeps of sanguine or salmon-coloured pastel give warmth to the background and bring the figure forward. The bright, focused gaze forms the centre of attention.

Technical details

• Artist: Domènec Malfeito Tanella (1936).
• Title / Subject: Portrait of a Yorkshire Terrier.
• Date: 1981, dated below the signature.
• Technique and support: Mixed media: charcoal/grease pencil and sanguine/pastel on paper.
• Dimensions: 46.5 × 30 cm.
• Signature: Signed “D. Malfeito Tanella” and dated “1981” in the lower right margin.
• Condition: Good. The central drawing is intact. Old adhesive-tape marks remain along the upper, right and left margins, consistent with an earlier mounting of the sheet.
• Inspection guarantee: Guaranteed returns within 30 days to inspect the work in person.

The Taller Note

Rapid, crossing black lines suggest the Yorkshire terrier’s tousled fur. The eyes concentrate attention; vertical salmon-toned bands warm the background and separate the animal’s silhouette from the paper.