On 26 September, a collection of exquisite artworks are going under the hammer at Spanish house Durán Arte y Subastas.
With prices averaging around €300 and €400, these beautifully-executed works also won’t break the bank, making them attainable investments for any family home. From landscapes, portraits and still lifes to religious themes, animals and more, there are varying subject matters for all interests, as well as styles and colours for any all and tastes.
This elegant and quiet portrait of a nude woman resting on a chair was completed by Demetrio Salgado (1915-2000). The artist is known for his dark but gentle colours, delicate lines and soft light. Salgado, a Spanish artist, favoured portraits of women, sometimes mothers with a baby in tow and sometimes nudes, as is depicted here in Desnudo femenino (Female Nude).
An oil measuring 17 x 25 cm, this work by J.M González depicts two rather unhappy lovers. The woman, who sports an elegant pink dress, is perhaps sewing or arranging the bouquet of flowers that lies next to hear. Meanwhile, her male lover sits opposite, watching with what seems to be discontent on his face. What their quarrel is about no one knows, but the garden in which they sit does make us long for spring.
Who wouldn’t want to sail away into a sunset like this? Featuring dappled light in beautiful shades of orange, yellow, pink, purple and blue, and a soft sky with warm clouds and smatters of blue, this painting was completed by the Spanish School XIX-XX and is titled Barcos en el puerto (Boats in the Harbour).
Another dreamy landscape, this artwork was also completed by the Spanish School, though S.XX. The oil on canvas is immediately identifiable as Venice, with a canal and gondolas staring out at you. Two men, one sitting and the other standing, him possibly a more senior figure with his hat and fine costume, are having a discussion as the sun sets over them.
Juan de la Cruz Soler (b.1951) is a Catalonian artist who studied in the San Jorge School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. He has lived in many parts of Northern Spain, such as Oviedo, Bilboa and San Sebastian, all places which are depicted in his landscapes. Here we find a delectable assortment of fresh fruit, including nectarines (or possibly peaches) and green, red and black grapes, all of which are placed in and around a wicker basket.