SALVADOR MAYOL (Barcelona, 1765-1834).

FRANCISCO MATEOS GONZÁLEZ (Seville, 1894 - Madrid, 1976). "The larvae", 1973. Oil on canvas. Signed in the lower left corner. Signed, dated and titled on the back. Work catalogued in "La vida y la obra de Francisco Mateos", Francisco Garfias, Madrid, 1977, p. 214. Measurements: 100 x 81 cm; 120 x 102 cm (frame). The work presents a background based on sinuous lines which already gives a certain dreamlike air to the composition, strongly accentuated by the large figures it shows, as well as by the flat, strong and contrasting colouring it presents. The geometrised and simplified features of the figures, the lack of naturalism, etc. are just some of the elements that indicate a strong link with certain pictorial avant-gardes of the 20th century. Considered one of the initiators of Spanish Expressionism, Francisco Mateos began his career as an illustrator for the press until 1921, when he received a three-year scholarship that enabled him to study in Germany, France and Belgium, where he became acquainted with Central European Expressionism at first hand. After a brief period in Spain, in 1927 the painter made another trip around Europe, during which he exhibited at the Paris gallery Tempo. He returned to Spain in 1930 and took part in the 2nd Salon des Indépendants, while at the same time producing illustrations for various publications. During the war he devoted himself to socialist propaganda and took part in the Paris International Exhibition of 1937. After his exile he returned to the art scene with exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art (1948) and the Layetanas Galleries (1950). In his works, Mateos expressed a very personal interpretation of everyday life, in the manner of a sarcastic, tragic and grotesque manifesto of Spain.