#47282 Alexandre De Riquer e Ynglada (1856-1920)

The artwork presents a horizontal composition dominated by warm, earthy tones – primarily shades of brown and ochre – achieved through a monochromatic printmaking technique. Here we see two figures positioned in profile against a backdrop suggesting a vast, indistinct landscape. The foreground is occupied by the shoulders and heads of these individuals; their faces are turned away from the viewer, directing our gaze towards an unseen point beyond the frame.
The figure on the left appears to be younger, with shorter hair cropped close to the head. Their posture conveys a sense of quiet contemplation or perhaps melancholy. Adjacent to this individual stands another person, partially obscured by a delicate lace veil that covers their hair and upper face. This veil creates an aura of mystery and distance, further emphasizing the anonymity of the subject. The second figure holds several folded sheets of paper – likely letters or documents – in their hand, which introduces a narrative element suggesting communication, secrets, or perhaps correspondence across distances.
The landscape behind them is rendered with loose, expressive lines that evoke a sense of atmospheric perspective. A cloudy sky occupies the upper portion of the composition, contributing to the overall mood of introspection and quietude. The horizon line is low, emphasizing the figures’ presence within the expansive environment.
Subtly, the work explores themes of isolation, communication, and the passage of time. The averted gazes suggest a shared experience or memory that binds these individuals while simultaneously distancing them from the viewer. The lace veil acts as both a physical barrier and a symbolic representation of hidden emotions or unspoken truths. The presence of the letters implies a connection to someone beyond their immediate surroundings – a link that may offer solace, longing, or perhaps even sorrow. The monochromatic palette reinforces the somber tone and contributes to a sense of timelessness, suggesting a scene from an earlier era.