Dionís Baixeras i Verdaguer (Barcelona, 1862–1943) - Young Peasant Woman

1. TECHNICAL DATA

Author: Dionís Baixeras i Verdaguer (Barcelona, 1862–1943)

Proposed title: Young peasant girl in traditional dress

Era: 1924

Technique: Pastel, charcoal and pencil on paper

Dimensions of the work: 46 × 31 cm

Dimensions with frame: 78 × 68 cm

Signature and inscription: Signed in the lower left corner “D. Baixeras V.” and dated 1924. The upper inscription seems to correspond to a date note made by the artist himself.

Support: Paper

Presentation: Framed with a passe-partout and ornamental frame.

Condition: Good overall condition for a paper work of approximately a century old. It is recommended to assess the condition from the photographs, which form part of the description.


2. DESCRIPTION

Delicate study of a female figure created in 1924 by Dionís Baixeras i Verdaguer, one of the representative figures of Catalan naturalism at the end of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th.

The work depicts a young woman seated, in profile, dressed in traditional attire and covered by a wide, light headdress or veil.

The figure appears isolated against a dark, atmospheric background, a circumstance that concentrates attention on the face, the hands, and the richness of the folds of the dress.

On the right, a small light source is discernible, probably a candle or lamp, treated in an extremely synthetic manner.


3. STYLISTIC AND COMPOSitional ANALYSIS

The composition is organized around a single monumental figure that occupies almost the entire surface of the paper.

Baixeras combines firm charcoal drawing with pastel applications of extraordinary subtlety.

The contour of the face, the hands, and the main folds of the attire are defined by dark, confident lines, while the volumes are built through glazes and deposits of pigment in ochre, bluish, pinks, whites, and yellows.

Particularly notable is the treatment of the veil.

Rather than describing every fold minutely, the artist uses broad areas of light pastel over which he introduces dark strokes that suggest the fabric’s structure.

The dress is built through a combination of bluish-grays and earthy tones, animated by small chromatic accents that add volume and depth.

The background remains deliberately undefined, created with charcoal and dark rubbed pigments, creating an intimate atmosphere that recalls studies done directly from the model.


4. PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION

One of the greatest attractions of the work lies in the restrained expression of the young woman.

The face appears in profile, gaze directed outside the composition, and a serene, almost introspective attitude.

This is not merely a study of popular clothing.

Baixeras shows notable attention to the sitter’s personality: the delicacy of the profile, the upright posture, and the relaxed position of the hands generate a sense of dignity and contemplation.

The small light source on the right further intensifies the intimate character of the scene.


5. SIGNATURE AND AUTHORSHIP

The work presents in the lower left corner a handwritten inscription and the signature:

“D. Baixeras V.”

followed by a dating corresponding to 1924.

The signature refers to Dionís Baixeras i Verdaguer.

The execution is also coherent with the artist’s graphic production: solid command of drawing, particular attention to the human figure, naturalistic sensitivity, and use of charcoal and dry media on paper.

The date places the work in the painter’s mature period.


6. REFERENCES AND RESEMBLANCES

Dionís Baixeras developed, parallel to his painting, an extensive production of drawings and studies on paper.

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya preserves numerous examples made in conté pencil, charcoal and similar graphic techniques.

It is particularly interesting to compare with his studies of peasant figures and popular characters, where the artist combines direct observation, anatomical precision, and a much more spontaneous execution than in his large pictorial compositions.

The drawing “Pagesa”, kept in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, can be cited as it presents a similar conception of a solitary figure and, significantly, dimensions very close to those of the present work.

This 1924 piece belongs to Baixeras’s mature period and constitutes a good example of the more immediate and personal facet of his graphic output.


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 ship internationally to all destinations.

Certain destinations, especially outside the European Union, may incur additional packaging, transport, customs, or import costs, which will be borne by the buyer.

The frame is included as a gift with the work and will not be a subject of complaint.