Humberto Jaimes Sánchez — Cubist Face, Rome 1954 — Oil on paper

A face constructed from angular planes and a palette of reds, pinks, earth colours and ochres. Humberto Jaimes Sánchez concentrates the composition on the elongated eyes, central nose and horizontal mouth, defined by dark outlines and pale strokes.

Rome, 1954

The work bears the inscription “H. Jaimes Sanchez 54 Roma”. The chronology published by the Fundación Humberto Jaimes Sánchez places his journey to Europe in December 1954 and his stay in Rome until March 1955. This context belongs to an early stage in the Venezuelan painter’s career.

Constructing the face

The triangular shapes of the cheeks and eyebrows organise the face into planes of colour. A vertical black line accompanied by a white stroke articulates the nose; the eyes and mouth establish horizontal rhythms. The texture of the paper and variations in the density of the paint remain visible on the surface.

Technical details

• Artist: Humberto Jaimes Sánchez (1930–2003).
• Title / subject: Cubist anthropomorphic composition (Rome study).
• Date: 1954.
• Technique and support: Oil on paper mounted on cardboard (marouflage).
• Dimensions: 11 × 20 cm.
• Signature and inscriptions: Signed, dated and inscribed with the location at lower right: “H. Jaimes Sanchez 54 Roma”.
• Provenance: Private collection archive.
• Condition: Very good. The paint layer remains stable, with no flaking, retaining its original texture and matt appearance.
• Returns: 30-day return period to inspect the work in person.

The Taller Note

The elongated eyes and horizontal mouth contrast with the vertical line of the nose. Black outlines separate red, pink and ochre planes; white strokes highlight some of their edges. The asymmetry between the two halves of the face and the visible texture of the surface bring movement to a frontal composition.