LOURDES MOJICA | ANTIGA CASA FIGUERES (BARCELONA) | URBAN EXPRESSIONISM | OIL ON CARDBOARD (1997)

A vibrant and luminous interpretation of the most emblematic modernist jewel of the Ramblas, endorsed by the prestigious Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

In this 1997 work, Lourdes Mojica presents a highly personal vision of one of Barcelona's architectural icons: the Antiga Casa Figueres (now Pastelería Escribà), located on La Rambla. The artist departs from photorealism, embracing a style closer to expressionism.

Visually, the work stands out for its bold use of black outlines, which delineate the architectural forms like the lead cames of a stained-glass window, containing a burst of color within. Mojica captures the ornamental essence of the modernist building: the trencadís mosaics, the curves of the arches, and the corner sculpture are rendered with patches of saturated color (cadmium yellows, turquoise blues, and violets).

The lighting suggests a nighttime or sunset scene, where the artificial light from inside the shop is projected outwards, making the shop windows glow. The cardboard support, common in plein air or quick sketch painting, allows the oil paint to absorb, leaving a matte, velvety texture that is very appealing to the eye.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY?

• Institutional Provenance: The artwork includes the original Certificate of Authenticity from the "Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc," one of Barcelona's oldest and most respected artistic institutions (founded in 1893, where Gaudí, Miró, and Tàpies trained). This guarantees its origin and quality.

• Barcelona Iconography: For lovers of Barcelona, ​​Casa Figueres is a temple. Owning an original painting of this building is like possessing a fragment of the city's visual memory.

• "Time Capsule" Condition: The artwork is intact , retaining its original plastic packaging. This guarantees that the paint layer is fresh, free of environmental dirt and oxidation, just as it left the studio almost 30 years ago.

• Colorful and Decorative: Its cheerful and warm palette acts as a focal point. It's ideal for breaking up the monotony of a white wall or for kitchens and dining rooms with personality.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Author: Lourdes Mojica Ferrer.

• Title: Antiga Casa Figueres.

• Date: 1997.

• Technique: Oil on cardboard.

• Dimensions: 35 x 50 cm.

• Signature: Signed "L. Mojica 97" in the lower right corner.

• Certificate: Includes certificate of authenticity attached to the back of the "Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc" (Petit Format Exhibition at the Cercle).

• Condition: Impeccable (Mint). The artwork has never been removed from its original protective packaging.

• Inspection Guarantee: 14-day money-back guarantee to inspect the work in person.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

What makes this piece special is its provenance. The fact that it comes certified by the Cercle de Sant Lluc is no small detail; it speaks to an artist deeply rooted in the city's established cultural scene. I love how she's handled the facade's glass: instead of painting it transparent, she's filled it with color, conveying that magical feeling characteristic of Catalan Modernism. It's a cheerful, small but powerful piece, perfect as a gift or to start a collection of urban art.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is delivered accompanied by a technical sheet and historical context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research.