#12093 Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The artwork presents a portrait of a woman in profile, rendered with a distinctive and somewhat unconventional approach. Here we see a figure turned towards the left, her gaze directed into the distance. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the elongated form of the subject.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by shades of brown, ochre, and orange, applied in washes and strokes that suggest spontaneity rather than meticulous detail. The woman’s hair is styled with a broad-brimmed hat, its shape echoed in the decorative elements surrounding her neck and shoulders. These embellishments appear to be rendered as stylized foliage or abstract patterns, executed in the same warm tones.
The face itself is simplified; features are suggested rather than precisely defined. The nose is prominent, the lips a thin line, and the eyes possess a melancholic quality. This reduction of detail contributes to an overall sense of anonymity, suggesting that the portrait may be less about capturing individual likeness and more about conveying a mood or type.
The background appears to be a muted beige or cream color, providing contrast for the warmer tones of the figure. The application of paint is loose and expressive; drips and washes are visible, adding texture and dynamism to the surface. This technique lends an air of immediacy and informality to the work.
Subtly, there’s a sense of fragility conveyed through the delicate lines and muted colors. The womans posture suggests introspection or perhaps even sadness. The decorative elements around her neck could be interpreted as both adornment and constraint, hinting at societal expectations or burdens placed upon women during the period in which this work was likely created. Ultimately, the painting evokes a feeling of quiet contemplation and understated elegance.