#24747 Josep-Maria Mallol Suazo

Here we see a figure study executed in pastel and charcoal on paper. The subject is a seated woman, depicted with a degree of informality that suggests a preparatory sketch or a spontaneous artistic exploration rather than a finished portrait. Her pose is relaxed; she sits in what appears to be an armchair, her body turned slightly away from the viewer. One hand rests casually on her thigh, while the other is raised, seemingly gesturing or adjusting something near her face.
The artist’s handling of materials contributes significantly to the works character. The pastel lends a softness and warmth to the skin tones, while the charcoal defines the contours and adds depth through shading. Theres an intentional roughness in the application; lines are visible, strokes are not blended smoothly, and areas remain lightly sketched. This technique conveys a sense of immediacy and captures a fleeting moment.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy browns, creams, and touches of red that highlight certain areas like the chair cushions and parts of her upper body. The limited range reinforces the impression of a study focused on form and gesture rather than elaborate coloration.
Her gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the left, suggesting introspection or perhaps an awareness beyond whats immediately visible. This upward glance lends a touch of dignity and complexity to the figure, preventing it from being merely a depiction of physical form. The lack of detailed background further emphasizes the focus on the subject herself.
The work seems to explore themes of femininity, contemplation, and the act of observation itself. It’s not an idealized representation; rather, it presents a woman in a moment of quiet repose, captured with a directness that feels both intimate and analytical. The unfinished quality invites speculation about the artists process and intentions – was this a study for a larger work? A quick impression meant to be savored as is? It’s these ambiguities that contribute to the painting’s understated power.