CAO5ARSD Aureliano De Beruete y Moret

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by monumental rock formations that flank a distant urban vista. Here we see two towering cliffs, rendered in thick impasto strokes of ochre, yellow, and touches of violet, which define the immediate foreground. The texture is palpable; brushstrokes are visible and contribute to a sense of raw energy and geological scale. These imposing structures appear almost abstract due to the loose application of paint and their sheer size relative to the background elements.
Beyond the cliffs, a cityscape unfolds under a hazy sky. A cluster of buildings, including what appears to be a church or cathedral with a prominent spire, is visible in the middle ground. The architecture suggests a European setting, though specific details are softened by atmospheric perspective. A small gathering of figures can be discerned near the base of the structure, their presence hinting at human activity and scale within this vast environment.
The color palette is largely warm – yellows, oranges, browns – creating an overall impression of heat or intense sunlight. The muted tones in the distance contribute to a sense of depth and recession. Theres a deliberate lack of sharp detail; forms are suggested rather than precisely defined, which lends the scene a dreamlike quality.
The composition suggests a contrast between the natural power of the rock formations and the constructed order of the city. The cliffs seem to both protect and enclose the urban area, implying a relationship between humanity and nature that is complex and potentially fraught with tension. One might interpret this as an exploration of civilization’s place within a larger, more enduring landscape. The artists choice to emphasize texture and color over precise representation suggests an interest in conveying emotional or sensory experience rather than photographic accuracy.