Yellow glasses draw attention to this self-portrait by Ernest Julien Malla, dated 1999. The face is built with patches of colour and brushstrokes that remain visible.
The face and colour
Ochres on the forehead and cheeks combine with violets, greys and dark areas. The light beard and glasses separate different planes of the face. The gaze meets the viewer in a composition centred on the head and shoulders.
The figure and background
The greenish and grey background gathers brushstrokes running in varied directions. Bluish tones in the shirt and the light beard contrast with the warm areas of the skin. The figure's edges alternate defined profiles with more open transitions into the background.
Technical details
Artist: Ernest Julien Malla (1927–2022).
Title / subject: Self-portrait in maturity.
Year: 1999.
Technique and support: Oil on canvas.
Dimensions: 43.5 × 35.5 cm (artwork) | 60 × 52 × 4 cm (framed).
Signature and inscriptions: Signed ‘Julien’ on the front. Titled, signed and dated on the reverse: ‘AUTORRETRAT / 8F ERNEST JULIEN MALLA / 1999’.
Provenance: Secondary art market, private collection (Barcelona).
Condition: Excellent.
Inspection guarantee: Guaranteed 30-day return period to inspect the work in person.
The Taller Note
The yellow of the glasses joins the two halves of the face and stands out against the shadows around the eyes. Light brushstrokes in the beard contrast with the warm tones of the forehead and cheeks. Varied brush directions connect the modelling of the figure with the background.
