Female Figure (after Isidre Nonell) — Oil on panel — Twentieth-century Catalan School — Social Realism

An intimate portrait with a strong psychological presence, closely following one of Isidre Nonell’s well-known compositions on social marginalisation.

The original canvas on which this work is based belongs to Nonell’s mature period, around 1901–1906, when he established his characteristic series of Romani women. This work is a study after the original (“d’après”), reproducing the downcast pose, the heavy mustard-coloured shawl and the reddish clothing.

The painter of this replica adopts Nonell’s visual language through dense impasto and broad, directional brushstrokes that model volume directly through colour rather than preparatory drawing. Earth tones, ochres and reds create strong light-and-shade contrasts in the face. This technique emphasises the figure’s weight and drama, characteristics of Nonell’s departure from the decorative refinement of bourgeois Catalan Modernisme.

Technical details

• Artist: Catalan School / Follower of Isidre Nonell.
• Period: Twentieth century.
• School: Catalan School.
• Style: Social Realism / Post-Impressionism.
• Technique: Oil on a rigid support.
• Artwork dimensions: 21.5 × 18 cm.
• Condition: Excellent condition of the paint layer, retaining the original impasto relief intact. Presented in a gilded frame.

The Taller Note

The oil paint has texture and body, retaining the dramatic character of the original composition through its handling of the painted surface.