Agostoen Mallorca Jose Mateu San Hilario Royo (1945-)

The composition presents two figures situated within a vibrant, almost overwhelming environment. Here we observe what appears to be a shallow body of water, its surface rendered with thick impasto strokes in shades of turquoise and blue, reflecting the surrounding light and foliage. The water’s edge is indistinct, blending seamlessly into a riot of color – pinks, purples, greens, and yellows – that suggests dense vegetation or perhaps flowering shrubs.
The two women are positioned close to the viewer, their forms partially obscured by the energetic brushwork. One figure, on the left, raises her arm towards her hair, seemingly in an action of drying or arranging it. Her white garment is loosely draped, revealing glimpses of skin beneath. The second woman, situated slightly forward and to the right, wears a straw hat that casts a shadow across her face, partially concealing her expression. She holds a similar piece of fabric, its folds rendered with considerable detail, suggesting movement and texture.
The artist’s technique is characterized by an expressive use of color and a loose application of paint. The lack of sharp outlines contributes to a sense of fluidity and immediacy. The overall effect is less about precise representation and more about conveying a feeling – perhaps the languidness of a summer afternoon, or the intimacy of shared moments.
Subtly, theres an ambiguity inherent in the scene. The figures’ gazes are averted, preventing direct engagement with the viewer. This creates a sense of voyeurism; we are witnessing something private and fleeting. The abundance of color and light evokes a feeling of sensory overload, hinting at a dreamlike or idealized vision of leisure and beauty. The indistinct background suggests an escape from reality, a retreat into a world of personal experience rather than objective observation.