Catalan School (c.1950) - Lady with a Hat
07
days
13
hours
09
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50
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Caroline Bokobza
Graduated as French auctioneer and worked in Sotheby’s Paris valuation department.
Estimate € 700 - € 800
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Lady with a Hat is an oil painting by the Catalan School from 1940–1950, measuring 77 × 88 cm, framed and in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
1. TECHNICAL DATA
Author: Catalan School
Era: First half of the 20th century, c. 1930–1950
Proposed title: Lady with a Hat
Technique: Pastel on paper
Dimensions of the work: 60 × 70 cm approx.
Framed dimensions: 77 × 88 cm approx.
Signature: There is a very faint inscription or signature on the lower left margin, currently difficult to read.
Support: Paper
Presentation: Framed under glass, with an ornate gilded frame.
Condition: Good overall considering its age and technique. Small superficial alterations and signs of time may be observed. The work has not been examined outside its frame.
2. DESCRIPTION
Elegant female portrait executed in pastel, belonging to the Catalan school of the first half of the 20th century.
The composition depicts a half-length young woman, wearing a wide black and gray hat, whose silhouette is outlined against a background built with large color masses.
The figure, partially nude, looks at the viewer with a serene and confident expression.
The work combines a very careful treatment of the face with a much freer execution in the hat, the attire, and the background, creating an attractive contrast between figurative precision and painterly spontaneity.
3. STYLISTIC AND COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS
The painting responds to a sensibility typical of European portraiture between the wars and the decades immediately following.
The face is modeled through soft tonal transitions, with special attention to the eyes, lips, and flesh tones.
By contrast, the surroundings are resolved with broad pastel washes, where whites, yellows, grays, ochres, and blacks are layered with great freedom.
The hat constitutes one of the main plastic elements of the composition.
Its wide, sinuous form creates a strong diagonal structure around the face, while the red circle at the top introduces a vivid chromatic accent.
The composition alternates between meticulously finished areas and others deliberately open and sketchy, a solution characteristic of much early 20th-century modern portraiture.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION
The figure conveys a notable presence.
The frontal, calm, slightly distant gaze makes the portrait more than a mere decorative representation.
The position of the arm and hand on the torso introduces a gesture of intimacy and introspection, while the large hat adds sophistication and theatrics.
There is an interesting balance between sensuality and elegance.
Partial nudity does not dominate the composition; rather, it functions as part of an image constructed around the personality and attitude of the model.
5. SIGNATURE AND HYPOTHESIS OF AUTHORSHIP
In the lower left area there is a pencil or dark pastel inscription.
The handwriting is very faded and does not currently allow a reading that would securely associate it with a specific artist.
As a precaution, the work is cataloged as Catalan School.
From a stylistic point of view, the combination of academic drawing, delicate treatment of the female figure, simplification of the background, and expressive use of pastel reasonably place it within the Catalan milieu of the first half of the 20th century.
6. OTHER INTERESTING DATA
The work is particularly interesting for the quality of the face treatment.
The eyes are constructed with small gradations of black, gray, and green, while the pink tones of cheeks and lips add warmth to a composition dominated by neutral colors.
Pastel also allows direct observation of the artist's gestural quality.
In many areas the pigment traces, blurs, and color overlays remain visible.
The contrast between the defined figure and the almost abstract freedom of the background links the work to a modern aesthetic close to European decorative portraiture of the 1930s and 1940s.
The large format — about 60 × 70 cm — significantly increases its visual presence.
7. SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS
The work will be shipped by a specialized professional company.
A custom-made box and foam protections will be used to ensure maximum safety during transport.
We offer international shipments to anywhere in the world.
Given the size, weight, and glass protection, certain destinations may incur an additional packing and transport surcharge.
Additional costs arising from oversized formats or destinations outside the European Union will be borne by the buyer.
The frame is included as a gift with the work and will not be subject to claims.
Seller's Story
Barcelona Art Gallery
Barcelona Art Gallery is made up of several artistic spaces based in the Les Corts district, Barcelona, specializing in old master painting, modern painting, decorative art, and European patrimonial pieces.
We regularly collaborate with dealers, antique dealers, galleries, and private collectors from across Europe, which allows us to offer a continuous, curated, and varied selection of works for our international bidders and buyers.
Our catalog focuses mainly on high-era European painting from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries: oils, Spanish, Catalan, French, Italian, and Central European painting, as well as religious works, landscapes, portraits, genre scenes, academic painting, Impressionism, modern and decorative works.
In addition to our auction activity, we work and collaborate with interior designers, decorators, galleries, collectors, film and theater production professionals, creative studios, and cultural sector professionals seeking pieces with character for specific projects.
We are open to professional collaborations related to art, interior design, set design, collecting, decoration, audiovisual projects, commercial spaces, and the recovery of patrimonial pieces.
Each work is presented with a clear, prudent, and honest description, accompanied by detailed photographs that are an essential part of the lot information. We work with bespoke professional packaging, a specialized logistics center, and insured international shipping.
From Barcelona, we select works with history, presence, and a distinctive identity for collectors, interior designers, gallery owners, creative professionals, and art lovers from around the world.
Translated by Google Translate1. TECHNICAL DATA
Author: Catalan School
Era: First half of the 20th century, c. 1930–1950
Proposed title: Lady with a Hat
Technique: Pastel on paper
Dimensions of the work: 60 × 70 cm approx.
Framed dimensions: 77 × 88 cm approx.
Signature: There is a very faint inscription or signature on the lower left margin, currently difficult to read.
Support: Paper
Presentation: Framed under glass, with an ornate gilded frame.
Condition: Good overall considering its age and technique. Small superficial alterations and signs of time may be observed. The work has not been examined outside its frame.
2. DESCRIPTION
Elegant female portrait executed in pastel, belonging to the Catalan school of the first half of the 20th century.
The composition depicts a half-length young woman, wearing a wide black and gray hat, whose silhouette is outlined against a background built with large color masses.
The figure, partially nude, looks at the viewer with a serene and confident expression.
The work combines a very careful treatment of the face with a much freer execution in the hat, the attire, and the background, creating an attractive contrast between figurative precision and painterly spontaneity.
3. STYLISTIC AND COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS
The painting responds to a sensibility typical of European portraiture between the wars and the decades immediately following.
The face is modeled through soft tonal transitions, with special attention to the eyes, lips, and flesh tones.
By contrast, the surroundings are resolved with broad pastel washes, where whites, yellows, grays, ochres, and blacks are layered with great freedom.
The hat constitutes one of the main plastic elements of the composition.
Its wide, sinuous form creates a strong diagonal structure around the face, while the red circle at the top introduces a vivid chromatic accent.
The composition alternates between meticulously finished areas and others deliberately open and sketchy, a solution characteristic of much early 20th-century modern portraiture.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION
The figure conveys a notable presence.
The frontal, calm, slightly distant gaze makes the portrait more than a mere decorative representation.
The position of the arm and hand on the torso introduces a gesture of intimacy and introspection, while the large hat adds sophistication and theatrics.
There is an interesting balance between sensuality and elegance.
Partial nudity does not dominate the composition; rather, it functions as part of an image constructed around the personality and attitude of the model.
5. SIGNATURE AND HYPOTHESIS OF AUTHORSHIP
In the lower left area there is a pencil or dark pastel inscription.
The handwriting is very faded and does not currently allow a reading that would securely associate it with a specific artist.
As a precaution, the work is cataloged as Catalan School.
From a stylistic point of view, the combination of academic drawing, delicate treatment of the female figure, simplification of the background, and expressive use of pastel reasonably place it within the Catalan milieu of the first half of the 20th century.
6. OTHER INTERESTING DATA
The work is particularly interesting for the quality of the face treatment.
The eyes are constructed with small gradations of black, gray, and green, while the pink tones of cheeks and lips add warmth to a composition dominated by neutral colors.
Pastel also allows direct observation of the artist's gestural quality.
In many areas the pigment traces, blurs, and color overlays remain visible.
The contrast between the defined figure and the almost abstract freedom of the background links the work to a modern aesthetic close to European decorative portraiture of the 1930s and 1940s.
The large format — about 60 × 70 cm — significantly increases its visual presence.
7. SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS
The work will be shipped by a specialized professional company.
A custom-made box and foam protections will be used to ensure maximum safety during transport.
We offer international shipments to anywhere in the world.
Given the size, weight, and glass protection, certain destinations may incur an additional packing and transport surcharge.
Additional costs arising from oversized formats or destinations outside the European Union will be borne by the buyer.
The frame is included as a gift with the work and will not be subject to claims.
Seller's Story
Barcelona Art Gallery
Barcelona Art Gallery is made up of several artistic spaces based in the Les Corts district, Barcelona, specializing in old master painting, modern painting, decorative art, and European patrimonial pieces.
We regularly collaborate with dealers, antique dealers, galleries, and private collectors from across Europe, which allows us to offer a continuous, curated, and varied selection of works for our international bidders and buyers.
Our catalog focuses mainly on high-era European painting from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries: oils, Spanish, Catalan, French, Italian, and Central European painting, as well as religious works, landscapes, portraits, genre scenes, academic painting, Impressionism, modern and decorative works.
In addition to our auction activity, we work and collaborate with interior designers, decorators, galleries, collectors, film and theater production professionals, creative studios, and cultural sector professionals seeking pieces with character for specific projects.
We are open to professional collaborations related to art, interior design, set design, collecting, decoration, audiovisual projects, commercial spaces, and the recovery of patrimonial pieces.
Each work is presented with a clear, prudent, and honest description, accompanied by detailed photographs that are an essential part of the lot information. We work with bespoke professional packaging, a specialized logistics center, and insured international shipping.
From Barcelona, we select works with history, presence, and a distinctive identity for collectors, interior designers, gallery owners, creative professionals, and art lovers from around the world.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Catalan School (c.1950)
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
Gallery
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Lady with a Hat
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Spain
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
77 cm
Width
88 cm
Weight
12 kg
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Realism
Period
1940-1950
Sold by
