A. Simarro (XX) - Pensando

We present for auction on this occasion an imposing oil painting on canvas mounted on panel, a testament to Simarro's mastery of psychological portraiture in an expressionist vein.

The painting features the profile of a mature man with glasses, a graying beard, and long hair, captured in an attitude of deep introspection. The composition stands out for how the features emerge from a vibrant, almost abstract background, endowing the piece with an emotional charge and an awe-inspiring intellectual presence.

From a technical standpoint, the execution is a display of material force and bold brushwork, unlike the more polished and customary portraits of the artist; however, in this work he employs generous impasto and a bold use of a spatula or a loaded brush, visible especially on the forehead, cheeks, and the texture of the beard. This buildup of paint creates a tactile relief that catches the ambient light and grants the face a textured three-dimensionality.

The color palette is exceptionally rich and complex: reddish, pink, and carmine flesh tones contrast masterfully with deep blues, cobalt and purplish hues that shape the hair and the shadows of the background, all balanced by ochres and greens of the surroundings. The treatment of light concentrates on the upper part of the face, serving as the axis to guide the viewer’s gaze across the features modeled with great assurance.

This 40x30 cm piece is a highly valuable acquisition for collectors seeking portraits with soul, character, and a forceful painting technique capable of becoming the focal point of any space dedicated to art in capital letters, provoking in its contemplation a tactile urge to verify and revel in the visual impact of this magnificent work."