#45491 Cayetano De Arquer-Buigas

The painting presents a close-up portrait of a young boy in profile. He is positioned facing left, his gaze directed downwards and away from the viewer. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing almost entirely on his head and upper shoulders.
Here we see a child with short, dark hair that falls forward onto his forehead and around his face, partially obscuring his features. The brushwork is loose and textured, creating an impressionistic effect; details are suggested rather than precisely rendered. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted yellows – which contribute to a sense of quiet introspection. A dark garment, possibly a jacket or shirt collar, frames his face, providing contrast against the lighter skin tone.
The boy’s posture conveys a mood of pensiveness or melancholy. The downward gaze suggests contemplation or perhaps sadness. The lack of direct eye contact creates a distance between the subject and the observer, inviting speculation about his inner state.
The inscription at the bottom left corner – Little Hugo Luis – provides a personal context for the work, suggesting it is a depiction of someone known to the artist. This intimate connection adds another layer of meaning, hinting that the portrait might capture a fleeting moment or a particular characteristic of this young boy. The overall effect is one of delicate observation and understated emotion, capturing a sense of childhood vulnerability and quiet reflection.