55 - ISIDRO NONELL

ISIDRO NONELL Barcelona 1872–1911 The Beggar, c. 1897 Charcoal and diluted oil paint on paper Signed in Paris Dimensions 275 x 220 mm We are grateful to Gloria Escala Romeu, author of the artist’s catalogue raisonné, for her assistance in cataloging this work. This is an original drawing by Nonell, which can undoubtedly be attributed to the artist’s Parisian period. The drawings I am familiar with from this period—often devoted to depicting marginalized figures observed in urban spaces, in states of rest, drowsiness, or begging—share the same formal and stylistic characteristics. Among these, a decisive and confident stroke stands out, executed with great spontaneity, as well as a remarkable capacity for graphic synthesis that allows for high narrative effectiveness with a very limited use of lines.