#12131 Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The composition presents a scene seemingly extracted from a fashionable Parisian setting. Here we observe a woman seated in an ornate chair, her posture suggesting both relaxation and refined elegance. She is dressed in a voluminous gown of pale green, adorned with a delicate floral pattern that echoes the arrangement of flowers positioned beside her. The fabric drapes around her form, emphasizing its curves while maintaining a sense of graceful movement.
To her left, a gentleman stands partially obscured by the chair’s backrest and the darkness of the background. He holds a small plate or card in one hand and a glass of what appears to be champagne in the other, suggesting a social gathering or perhaps an advertisement for a product. His face is largely hidden, contributing to an air of mystery and anonymity that characterizes many figures within this eras artistic representations of urban life.
The color palette is striking; the muted gold backdrop contrasts sharply with the woman’s green dress and the dark tones of the gentleman’s attire. The word CODRNIO is prominently displayed in a stylized font, likely serving as an advertisement or branding element. This textual inclusion immediately signals the works function as promotional material rather than purely representational art.
The artist employed a flattened perspective, characteristic of Art Nouveau aesthetics, which minimizes depth and emphasizes decorative elements. The lines are fluid and curvilinear, contributing to a sense of visual harmony and elegance. The woman’s gaze is directed slightly downward, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps polite disinterest.
Subtly, the work explores themes of leisure, luxury, and social status prevalent in late nineteenth-century society. The anonymity of the male figure hints at the commodification of women within this context – she becomes a symbol of refined taste and desirable lifestyle, rather than an individual with her own agency. The overall effect is one of sophisticated allure, designed to entice viewers into associating themselves with the depicted world of elegance and indulgence.