Francisco Carretero (1920) - El gesto secreto

Pictura Subastas presents this magnificent work of art by Francisco Carretero, which depicts an intimate moment of introspection and sensitivity, where a woman silently dialogues with her emotions through a simple and deeply human gesture. The painting stands out for its excellent technique and the high pictorial quality it conveys.

· Frame dimensions: 76.5 x 56 x 4 cm.
· Dimensions of the work: 55 x 32 cm.
· Pastel hand-signed by the artist in the lower left corner of the work, F. Carretero.
· The piece is in good condition.
The artwork is sold with a beautiful frame with protective glass (included in the auction as a gift).

The artwork comes from an exclusive private collection in Girona.

Important note: the included photographs are an integral part of the lot description.

The painting will be professionally packaged by an IVEX expert (https://www.instagram.com/ivex.online/), using high-quality materials to ensure its protection. The shipping price covers both the cost of professional packaging and the transportation itself.
The shipment will be sent via Correos, GLS, or NACEX with tracking. International shipments are available.

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This painting presents a deeply intimate and delicate scene, focusing on the figure of a young woman captured in a moment of introspection and reflection. The protagonist appears slightly inclined, with her gaze directed toward the object she holds between her hands, as if immersed in a silent dialogue with herself. Her posture is soft and natural, conveying vulnerability and serenity at the same time. From the very first moment, the work envelops the viewer in an atmosphere of calm, sensitivity, and emotional contemplation.
The female figure stands out for her understated elegance and serene presence. Her hair, casually gathered, reinforces a sense of naturalness, distancing her from any artifice or exaggeration. The light dress covering her falls softly over her body, suggesting lightness and purity. This seemingly simple outfit highlights the delicacy of her gestures and the fragility of her figure, making her the emotional center of the painting. The way she holds the pendant over her chest reinforces the idea of a personal moment, charged with inner meaning.
The object that accompanies the woman, a vessel in warm tones, introduces a strong visual and symbolic contrast within the composition. Its earthy color stands out against the neutral background and the light dress, drawing the eye immediately. The vessel seems heavy, solid, and ancient, which suggests a connection with tradition, memory, or the past. In contrast to the softness of the female figure, this object provides a sense of permanence and stability, establishing a dialogue between the fragile and the enduring.
The background of the painting is sober and discreet, composed of gray and dark tones that enfold the figure without drawing attention away. This absence of unnecessary elements reinforces the sense of isolation and silence. The space seems undefined, almost abstract, as if it did not belong to a specific place, but to an emotional state. This neutrality allows the entire expressive load to be concentrated on the figure and its gesture, heightening the psychological depth of the scene.
The light distributes itself softly and evenly, illuminating mainly the woman's face, neck, and arms, as well as the surface of the vessel. This lighting play creates delicate volumes and enhances textures without being harsh. The clarity seems to come from a lateral point, enveloping the subject in an almost intimate halo, as if protected by an inner light. Thanks to this luminous treatment, the scene takes on an almost spiritual character, full of sensitivity and contemplation.
As a whole, the painting conveys a deep sense of introspection, fragility, and silent beauty, where the female figure, the object she holds, and the sober surroundings come together in a balanced and emotionally intense composition. The work invites one to pause, observe, and feel, awakening empathy and reflection in those who contemplate it, and turning a simple gesture into an experience filled with meaning.