Maria Jose Mateu San Hilario Royo (1945-)

The composition presents a close-up portrait of a young woman in profile, set against a dark background that emphasizes her form and coloration. The artist has chosen a vertical format, which draws attention to the subjects elongated neck and shoulders, contributing to an overall sense of grace and vulnerability.
Here we see a focus on texture and light. The application of paint is loose and expressive; brushstrokes are visible throughout, particularly in rendering the hair and skin tones. This technique lends a palpable physicality to the image, suggesting a sensitivity to the tactile qualities of both the subject and the medium itself. Light falls predominantly from the left, illuminating one side of her face and shoulder while leaving the other in shadow. The interplay of light and dark creates depth and highlights the contours of her features.
The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, conveying a sense of introspection or melancholy. Her expression is subtle; it isnt overtly sorrowful but rather suggests a quiet contemplation. A single pink flower is nestled within her elaborate updo, providing a delicate contrast to the warm earth tones dominating the palette. The flower could be interpreted as a symbol of beauty, fragility, or perhaps even lost innocence.
The presence of dangling earrings adds a touch of elegance and refinement. They are rendered with careful detail, reflecting light in a way that draws the eye and contributes to the overall sense of luxury. The artist’s signature is visible at the bottom right corner, subtly anchoring the composition.
Subtly, theres an element of timelessness about this portrait. The style evokes classical portraiture while maintaining a contemporary feel through its expressive brushwork and intimate perspective. It seems to explore themes of beauty, introspection, and perhaps a quiet resilience in the face of unseen challenges.