Lourdes Castro (1930–2022) - The eye of time
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The Eye of Time, a 1998 oil on canvas by Lourdes Castro (1930–2022) with a real clock mechanism integrated, signed Castro 98, 60 × 73 cm (80 × 70 cm with frame), Spain, original edition, in excellent condition and sold with frame.
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Description from the seller
OJO – TIME
Lourdes Castro (1930–2022)
Oil on canvas with built-in clock mechanism
Signed and dated “Castro 98”
Canvas dimensions: 60 × 73 cm
Total dimensions with frame: approx. 80 × 70 cm
1. IDENTIFICATION
1.1. Author
Lourdes Castro (1930–2022), Portuguese artist of international relevance, a key figure of the KWY group and linked to the European plastic renewal of the second half of the 20th century.
Known for her exploration of shadow, perception, time and presence, she developed a body of work that moves between painting, object, installation and conceptual reflection.
1.2. Technique and support
Oil on canvas with integration of a real clock mechanism at the central area of the composition.
The work combines traditional painting with a functional object element, establishing a dialogue between pictorial representation and real mechanical time.
Stretcher solid wood, mechanism fixed to the reverse with an independent system.
1.3. Signature and date
Signed in the lower right corner: “Castro 98”.
On the back there is a handwritten note:
“Castro 98 BCN 60 x 73 cm Oil on canvas.”
The date 1998 places the work in a mature period of the artist.
1.4. Measurements
Canvas: 60 × 73 cm
With frame: approximately 80 × 70 cm
Balanced horizontal format, with strong visual impact.
2. ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION
2.1. Composition
The work features a large frontal eye occupying almost the entire pictorial plane.
The iris is replaced by a functional clock sphere, violet-toned, with visible numerals and moving hands.
The visual effect creates a powerful symbolic association between gaze and time.
2.2. Painting technique
The skin is treated with soft gradations in ochre tones, earths and smoky shadows.
The modeling of the upper eyelid creates volumetric depth through enveloping chiaroscuro.
The surface shows a slightly grainy texture, with glazes that contribute to the atmosphere.
2.3. Conceptual element
The clock is not represented: it is real and operative.
Time becomes an active part of the work, transforming the painting into a living object.
The gaze is no longer static: it measures, records and passes.
The viewer is implicated in an experience where seeing and elapsing fuse.
3. HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC CONTEXT
3.1. Conceptual framework
In Lourdes Castro’s production, the interest in shadow, presence and perception translates into works that question the relationship between image and reality.
This piece introduces time as a physical dimension integrated into representation.
3.2. Dialogue with contemporary art
The integration of a real object recalls strategies of conceptual art and assemblage.
However, the work maintains a solid pictorial base, avoiding a total rupture with tradition.
It stands at the border between symbolic painting and conceptual object.
3.3. Symbolic reading
The eye as consciousness.
The clock as inexorability of time.
Time that observes.
Aging gaze.
A direct and powerful metaphor.
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION
4.1. Support
Solid and properly stretched canvas.
Stable stretcher.
4.2. Pictorial surface
Good overall condition.
Uniform texture.
No significant visible losses.
4.3. Mechanism
Clock mechanism incorporated on the reverse.
Functional system (as visible upon inspection).
Easily replaceable element in case of future maintenance, without affecting pictorial integrity.
Photos are an essential part of the description.
5. GUARANTEE AND TRANSPARENCY
5.1. Authenticity
Original work signed and dated 1998 by Lourdes Castro.
5.2. Provenance
Private collection, Barcelona.
5.3. Professional commitment
Description prepared under formal and comparative criteria.
Professional specialized packaging and insured certified shipment are guaranteed.
6. COLLECTING OPPORTUNITY
6.1. Uniqueness
Hybrid work combining painting and object, with a strong conceptual charge.
The integration of real time into an ocular representation makes the piece a singular example in the contemporary landscape.
6.2. Market interest
Lourdes Castro’s works maintain institutional recognition and presence in major collections.
Pieces with an objectual character and dated in a mature phase hold special interest for contemporary collecting.
6.3. Visual impact
A piece with immediate and powerful reading.
Ideal for a private collection of contemporary art or a conceptual exhibition space.
Seller's Story
At Barcelona Art Gallery, we are a large family of art collectors in Barcelona who have been acquiring all kinds of paintings for 2 centuries.
Headquartered in the Les Corts neighborhood of Barcelona.
We offer part of our private collection for auction: high period and modern paintings that we have been acquiring over time, mainly from art galleries, antique dealers, auctions, private collections and very diverse origins.
Translated by Google TranslateOJO – TIME
Lourdes Castro (1930–2022)
Oil on canvas with built-in clock mechanism
Signed and dated “Castro 98”
Canvas dimensions: 60 × 73 cm
Total dimensions with frame: approx. 80 × 70 cm
1. IDENTIFICATION
1.1. Author
Lourdes Castro (1930–2022), Portuguese artist of international relevance, a key figure of the KWY group and linked to the European plastic renewal of the second half of the 20th century.
Known for her exploration of shadow, perception, time and presence, she developed a body of work that moves between painting, object, installation and conceptual reflection.
1.2. Technique and support
Oil on canvas with integration of a real clock mechanism at the central area of the composition.
The work combines traditional painting with a functional object element, establishing a dialogue between pictorial representation and real mechanical time.
Stretcher solid wood, mechanism fixed to the reverse with an independent system.
1.3. Signature and date
Signed in the lower right corner: “Castro 98”.
On the back there is a handwritten note:
“Castro 98 BCN 60 x 73 cm Oil on canvas.”
The date 1998 places the work in a mature period of the artist.
1.4. Measurements
Canvas: 60 × 73 cm
With frame: approximately 80 × 70 cm
Balanced horizontal format, with strong visual impact.
2. ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION
2.1. Composition
The work features a large frontal eye occupying almost the entire pictorial plane.
The iris is replaced by a functional clock sphere, violet-toned, with visible numerals and moving hands.
The visual effect creates a powerful symbolic association between gaze and time.
2.2. Painting technique
The skin is treated with soft gradations in ochre tones, earths and smoky shadows.
The modeling of the upper eyelid creates volumetric depth through enveloping chiaroscuro.
The surface shows a slightly grainy texture, with glazes that contribute to the atmosphere.
2.3. Conceptual element
The clock is not represented: it is real and operative.
Time becomes an active part of the work, transforming the painting into a living object.
The gaze is no longer static: it measures, records and passes.
The viewer is implicated in an experience where seeing and elapsing fuse.
3. HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC CONTEXT
3.1. Conceptual framework
In Lourdes Castro’s production, the interest in shadow, presence and perception translates into works that question the relationship between image and reality.
This piece introduces time as a physical dimension integrated into representation.
3.2. Dialogue with contemporary art
The integration of a real object recalls strategies of conceptual art and assemblage.
However, the work maintains a solid pictorial base, avoiding a total rupture with tradition.
It stands at the border between symbolic painting and conceptual object.
3.3. Symbolic reading
The eye as consciousness.
The clock as inexorability of time.
Time that observes.
Aging gaze.
A direct and powerful metaphor.
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION
4.1. Support
Solid and properly stretched canvas.
Stable stretcher.
4.2. Pictorial surface
Good overall condition.
Uniform texture.
No significant visible losses.
4.3. Mechanism
Clock mechanism incorporated on the reverse.
Functional system (as visible upon inspection).
Easily replaceable element in case of future maintenance, without affecting pictorial integrity.
Photos are an essential part of the description.
5. GUARANTEE AND TRANSPARENCY
5.1. Authenticity
Original work signed and dated 1998 by Lourdes Castro.
5.2. Provenance
Private collection, Barcelona.
5.3. Professional commitment
Description prepared under formal and comparative criteria.
Professional specialized packaging and insured certified shipment are guaranteed.
6. COLLECTING OPPORTUNITY
6.1. Uniqueness
Hybrid work combining painting and object, with a strong conceptual charge.
The integration of real time into an ocular representation makes the piece a singular example in the contemporary landscape.
6.2. Market interest
Lourdes Castro’s works maintain institutional recognition and presence in major collections.
Pieces with an objectual character and dated in a mature phase hold special interest for contemporary collecting.
6.3. Visual impact
A piece with immediate and powerful reading.
Ideal for a private collection of contemporary art or a conceptual exhibition space.
Seller's Story
At Barcelona Art Gallery, we are a large family of art collectors in Barcelona who have been acquiring all kinds of paintings for 2 centuries.
Headquartered in the Les Corts neighborhood of Barcelona.
We offer part of our private collection for auction: high period and modern paintings that we have been acquiring over time, mainly from art galleries, antique dealers, auctions, private collections and very diverse origins.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Lourdes Castro (1930–2022)
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
Gallery
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
The eye of time
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Spain
Year
1998
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
60 cm
Width
73 cm
Weight
4 kg
Depiction/theme
Mythology
Style
Surrealism
Period
1990-2000
Sold by
