The flamenco dancer Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

Here we observe a vertical composition depicting a female figure in profile, seemingly captured mid-movement or lost in thought. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, her gaze directed towards the left, beyond the viewers perspective. She appears to be dressed in a formal attire – a high-necked blouse and what seems like a flowing cape or shawl draped over her shoulders. The skirt of her dress is visible beneath the cape, rendered with strokes suggesting movement and volume.
The artist employed a pastel technique, evident in the delicate layering and blending of colors. A warm ochre background provides contrast to the cooler tones used for the figures skin and clothing. The application of pastels creates a soft, almost hazy quality, obscuring sharp lines and contributing to an overall sense of fleetingness or transience. Light seems to emanate from behind the subject, illuminating her face and cape while leaving the rest of the composition in relative shadow. This lighting emphasizes the contours of her neck and shoulders, drawing attention to her elegant posture.
The figure’s pose suggests a moment of introspection or preparation. The slight turn of her head and the downward cast of her eyes imply a depth of emotion that remains unexpressed. The cape itself becomes significant; its voluminous form obscures much of the body beneath, creating an air of mystery and perhaps hinting at a concealed identity or inner life.
The color palette is restrained but evocative. The dominance of whites and creams, punctuated by touches of blue and purple in the skirt and background, creates a sense of melancholy and refinement. This combination contributes to a feeling of quiet dignity and understated elegance.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of performance and identity. While the subject’s attire suggests formality and perhaps even ritual, her introspective pose hints at an internal world separate from any external display. The artist has captured not just a likeness but also a psychological moment – a glimpse into the private thoughts of a woman poised on the edge of action.