Antoni Sala Herrero (1926-2012) - Paysage en contre-jour

Antoni Sala Herrero (1926-2012) Contraluz – Barcelona Oil on canvas – Catalan Impressionist landscape painting Interesting original oil painting on canvas by the renowned Catalan painter Antoni Sala Herrero (Barcelona, 1926-2012), an artist specialized in landscapes, seascapes and urban views, whose career developed mainly during the second half of the 20th century. The work represents a landscaped garden scene with abundant vegetation, leafy trees, and several structures partially hidden among the foliage. It stands out for its expressive brushwork, rich color, and treatment of light effects. On the back of the canvas are handwritten inscriptions with the artist’s name, the word “Barcelona” and a reference that appears to correspond to the title “Contralluz.” Description and artistic analysis The composition presents a Mediterranean landscape, dominated by lush vegetation and traditional architecture emerging among the trees. In the foreground, a sunlit path introduces the viewer to the scene, while the vegetation masses are distributed on different planes, providing depth and dynamism. The artist builds the composition with broad, spontaneous brushstrokes, using color as the main expressive resource. Olive greens, intense yellows, blues and violets predominate, combined with earthy tones that reinforce the contrasts between the illuminated areas and the shadows. The treatment of backlighting is one of the painting’s most notable elements. The dark silhouettes of the trees are cut out against a bright sky, while the light filters through the canopies and reaches certain areas of the garden. The freedom of execution and the simplification of forms give the work notable freshness and spontaneity. Style and artistic influences The painting belongs to the Catalan landscape tradition with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist influence, characterized by an interest in light, color and the personal interpretation of nature. His pictorial language shows affinities with certain compositions by Joaquim Mir (1873-1940), especially for the intensity of color and the depiction of vegetation through patches of color. Parallels can also be drawn with the landscape tradition of Santiago Rusiñol (1861-1931), particularly for the choice of gardens and natural spaces as protagonists of the composition. These references are stylistic and do not imply a direct documented relationship between the artists. The work constitutes a representative example of Sala Herrero’s interest in natural environments and atmospheric effects, interpreted through Figurative painting with great chromatic sensitivity. Artist’s biography Antoni Sala Herrero (Barcelona, 1926-2012) was a self-taught Spanish painter, especially linked to the Catalan landscape tradition of the second half of the 20th century. He was born in the Barcelona district of Horta, an environment that played an important role in his early compositions. From a young age he showed a notable inclination for drawing and painting, gradually developing a personal artistic language. His early works were devoted to landscapes, farmhouses and traditional corners of Horta, many of which underwent profound urban transformations in the following decades. Over time he decided to devote himself professionally to painting, broadening his artistic subjects to other Catalan towns and, especially, to Mediterranean landscapes. In 1967 he held his first solo exhibition at the Sala Municipal de Figueres, marking the start of a showing career that would lead him to present his works in numerous galleries and art spaces. Among the spaces where he exhibited are: - La Pinacoteca de Barcelona, one of the reference rooms of the Catalan art market. - Galerías Nonell of Castellón, where he exhibited in 1973. - Sala Rovira of Sabadell, where he presented his work in 1974. He also developed exhibition activity in places such as Palamós, Vic, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Terrassa, Lleida and Olot. Awards and recognitions Throughout his career he received various distinctions, including: 1969 – Vila de Palamós Prize. A recognition related to his painting activity and his connection with the Mediterranean landscape. 1983 – Distinction of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts of Paris. A recognition awarded in the French artistic sphere. These prizes, along with his exhibition activity, reflect his presence in the art circuits of his time. His painting Antoni Sala Herrero’s production is mainly characterized by his dedication to landscape, seascapes and port views. Among his habitual motifs are Costa Brava landscapes, Mediterranean towns, fishing ports and traditional corners of Catalonia. His painting combines a figurative base with a free and expressive execution, placing special importance on luminosity and chromatic contrasts. The loose brushwork, the use of vibrant colors and the atmospheric interpretation of the landscape allow his output to be related to the continuity of the Catalan Impressionist tradition during the 20th century. His works have appeared in various Spanish auction houses and continue to be present on the art market. Characteristics of the work Artist: Antoni Sala Herrero (1926-2012). Title: Contraluz – Barcelona (title proposed from the inscriptions on the reverse). Technique: Oil on canvas. School: Catalan, Spanish. Era: Second half of the 20th century. Style: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Genre: Landscape. Inscriptions: Artist’s name, reference to Barcelona and a possible manuscript title on the back. Presentation: Canvas stretched on a wooden frame. Condition The work presents the conservation state that can be seen in the photographs. The painting surface shows expressive brushstrokes and areas of greater textural load, especially visible in the depiction of vegetation. The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow appreciating the characteristics and conservation state of the painting. Shipping The work will be carefully packaged with appropriate protective materials to ensure its safety during transport. The shipment will be carried out by a transport company with a tracking number. Any import taxes, duties and customs charges will be the responsibility of the buyer when applicable. Deliveries to island territories or destinations with special logistical conditions may be subject to transport surcharges.

Estimation:€500

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