#04511 Xavier Gosé i Rovira (1876-1915)

The drawing presents a solitary female figure in full length, set against a simplified background. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the elongated form of the subject and contributing to a sense of stylized elegance. Here we see a woman dressed in what appears to be an ensemble characteristic of early twentieth-century fashion. A wide-brimmed hat obscures much of her face, casting it in shadow and lending an air of mystery or detachment. The dress itself is long and flowing, rendered primarily in warm earth tones – ochre, brown, and beige – with subtle tonal variations suggesting folds and texture.
A dark scarf wraps around the neck and extends upwards, partially concealing the lower portion of her face and adding to the overall sense of formality and restraint. Her arms are extended, one holding a decorative handbag or reticule adorned with floral motifs and what appear to be gemstones. The hand is positioned in a gesture that suggests both possession and perhaps a slight defensiveness.
The background consists of horizontal bands of color – a pale blue at the bottom transitioning into a lighter cream above – which serve to isolate the figure and flatten the pictorial space. This reduction of depth contributes to the drawing’s decorative quality, prioritizing aesthetic arrangement over realistic representation. The artist employed watercolor techniques, evident in the soft gradations of color and the delicate washes that define form.
Subtly, the work conveys a sense of urban sophistication and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The obscured face hints at an interiority hidden from view, while the formal attire suggests adherence to social conventions. The handbag, with its elaborate ornamentation, might symbolize status or material possessions. Overall, the drawing captures a moment in time, portraying a woman defined by her clothing and posture within a carefully constructed visual environment.