#29458 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The composition presents a densely layered cityscape viewed from a low vantage point across water. A prominent sailboat with full sails cuts diagonally through the foreground, its mast acting as a vertical counterpoint to the towering structures behind it. The water itself is rendered in muted tones of blue and brown, reflecting the light and color of the sky and buildings above.
The architecture displayed is varied and seemingly disparate, suggesting an amalgamation of different eras and styles. A spire reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals rises on the left, juxtaposed with a more modern skyscraper to its right. In the center, a classical building featuring a fountain dominates the view, while further back, structures evoke Art Deco sensibilities. The arrangement appears deliberate, not simply a random collection but an intentional layering that creates depth and visual complexity.
The color palette is dominated by warm hues – pinks, oranges, yellows – which imbue the scene with a sense of optimism and vibrancy. These colors are particularly concentrated in the sky and reflected on the water’s surface, creating a luminous effect. Vertical bands of cooler tones – blues and purples – serve as visual dividers between architectural elements, adding to the overall feeling of fragmentation and layering.
The presence of the sailboat introduces a sense of movement and freedom within this static urban landscape. It suggests a yearning for escape or a contrasting perspective on the rigid structures that define the city. The fountain’s spray adds another element of dynamism, breaking up the solidity of the buildings and introducing an ephemeral quality to the scene.
Subtly, theres a sense of idealized nostalgia present. The combination of architectural styles evokes a romanticized view of urban development across time, while the sailboat hints at a simpler, more leisurely past. The overall effect is one of aspiration – a vision of a city that blends history and progress, grandeur and freedom.