#24815 Josep Mompou

The drawing presents a figure rendered in a stark, linear style within a rectangular frame bordered by a repeated vertical pattern. The central subject is a male nude, depicted from behind and angled slightly towards the viewer. He appears robust, with pronounced musculature suggested through closely spaced parallel lines that define his form. A thick beard obscures much of his face, which remains largely in shadow.
The man holds a stack of books close to his chest, their presence seemingly significant given his posture and the prominence afforded them within the composition. His gaze is directed downwards towards the books, suggesting contemplation or reverence. The gesture implies an intimate connection with the written word.
Above the figure, inscribed in elegant lettering, are the words EX LIBRIS, a Latin phrase meaning “from the books of.” Below the figure, a name and location – Joseph Mom Pou Barcelona – appear in smaller script. This suggests that the drawing functions as an ex-libris plate, a personalized bookplate identifying ownership.
The overall effect is one of solemnity and intellectual dedication. The artist’s choice to depict the owner as a nude figure evokes classical ideals of learning and virtue, associating him with the tradition of philosophical inquiry and artistic patronage. The limited tonal range and the emphasis on line contribute to a sense of austerity and timelessness. The drawings function as an ex-libris plate underscores its purpose: not merely as a visual representation but as a declaration of identity and intellectual affiliation.