#45528 Cayetano De Arquer-Buigas

The painting presents a female figure in a reclining pose, occupying nearly the entire frame. She is seated on what appears to be a cushioned chair or chaise lounge, rendered with broad, energetic strokes that suggest both form and texture. The background is muted, a warm brown tone that allows the figure to dominate visually.
Here we see a woman holding a white flower – likely a camellia – between her teeth. Her gaze is directed outward, seemingly beyond the viewer, conveying an air of introspection or melancholy. The artist has employed a palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and creams – punctuated by touches of blue-green that appear in the background and subtly highlight areas of shadow on the figure’s skin.
The treatment of light is significant; it seems to emanate from an unseen source, illuminating her face and upper body while leaving portions of her form in shadow. This creates a sense of depth and volume, emphasizing the contours of her physique. The brushwork is loose and expressive, prioritizing feeling over precise detail. Individual strokes are visible, contributing to a dynamic surface quality that conveys movement and vitality.
Subtly, the flower held between her teeth introduces an element of ambiguity. It could be interpreted as a symbol of beauty or fragility, but its placement also suggests a degree of defiance or even sadness. The woman’s posture – relaxed yet slightly slumped – and her distant gaze contribute to this sense of quiet contemplation. There is a vulnerability present in the depiction, coupled with a certain strength conveyed through her directness and unadorned presentation.
The overall effect is one of intimate observation; the artist seems less interested in portraying an idealized beauty than in capturing a fleeting moment of inner reflection. The painting evokes a mood of quiet solitude and understated emotion.