Autorretrat 1932 Pere Daura

The etching presents a frontal portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by dense cross-hatching and a deliberate lack of smooth tonal transitions. The subjects gaze is direct, almost confrontational, fixed upon the viewer with an intensity that suggests introspection or perhaps even challenge.
Here we see a figure whose features are sharply defined, yet appear somewhat distorted through the artist’s expressive technique. The brow is heavy and furrowed, contributing to an overall impression of seriousness or melancholy. The nose is prominent, and the mouth is set in a firm line that hints at suppressed emotion. The hair, rendered with agitated strokes, frames the face and adds to the sense of unrestrained energy within the composition.
Clothing appears as a series of intersecting lines, suggesting a patterned shirt or jacket. These linear elements contribute to the overall textural complexity of the work, preventing any softening of the figure’s presence. The artist has employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on variations in line density to create depth and form. This technique emphasizes the graphic nature of the printmaking process.
The signature appears twice – once at the upper left corner and again at the lower right – indicating an intentional act of self-identification within the artwork. The placement suggests a degree of formality or perhaps even a claim of authorship that is both assertive and understated.
Subtly, theres a sense of vulnerability conveyed through the raw, unpolished quality of the lines. It’s not merely a representation of physical appearance but an exploration of inner state – a visual record of psychological complexity. The deliberate roughness of the execution implies a rejection of conventional notions of beauty or idealized portraiture, instead opting for a more honest and perhaps uncomfortable depiction of selfhood.