Carmen del Berro (1940) - Escena Goiesca

Goyesque Scene / Procession

Author: Carmen del Berro (Signed)

Period / Year of Creation: Late 20th century

School: Contemporary Spanish School, with clear influences from the Spanish expressive figurative tradition.

Style: Figurative Expressionism. The work shows an evident aesthetic indebtedness to the dark, distorted aesthetics of Francisco de Goya's Black Paintings and the Valle-Inclán-esque esperpento, filtered through a more contemporary gestural and free brushwork.

Technique: Mixed media on paper

Signature: Hand-signed in the lower right corner: "Carmen del Berro".

Dimensions of the Work: 35 x 26 cm

Total Dimensions with Frame: 49 x 41 cm.

Artistic Description:

This captivating mixed-media technique by Carmen del Berro presents a densely charged group scene, evocative of a rite or popular religious procession. The composition is dominated by a central female figure, dressed in a dense black mantle and a veil, who seems to be the focus of attention, with hands clasped in a gesture of devotion or anguish.

This figure is flanked by other characters whose faces, sometimes barely sketched or with grotesque expressions and almost smirks, emerge from the background. A figure on the left wears what appears to be a capirote or pointed hat, reinforcing the atmosphere of a Holy Week procession or an inquisitorial scene.

Artistically, the work stands out for its strong contrast and gestural brushwork. Del Berro uses black ink in a dense and opaque way, especially on the central figure’s mantle and on bold, irregular bands at the bottom of the work, which function as a compositional anchor and an abstract element, distancing the piece from mere realism. These dark areas dramatically contrast with the transparent washes of blue-gray and pale pink in the clothing and background.

The drawing stroke is fast, energetic, and nervous, prioritizing the capture of emotion and movement over precise anatomical detail, which gives the piece a raw and powerful, almost dreamlike quality.

Condition Report

The work is in good overall condition.

Canvas properly stretched on its original frame.

Paint layer stable, with impasto texture typical of the technique used.

No significant losses or invasive restorations observed.

Classic golden frame with light signs of wear consistent with its age.

It is a piece ready to hang and enjoy without intervention.

Shipping Management

We implement a professional packing and shipping protocol specialized for artworks:

Protection of the canvas with acid-free material.

Multi-layer padding and reinforced box for transport.

Insured shipping with tracking.

Packaging prepared following transport standards for art and antiquities.

The goal is to ensure the artwork arrives in perfect condition at its destination.

Professional Commitment

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Frame:

If the frame is specified by photo and data sheet as included, it is attached as part of the sale and, as such, is a complimentary accompaniment to the painting; no complaints or returns are accepted in case of transport breakage.