León Gallery wishes to thank Mr. Christian M. Aguilar for confirming the authenticity of this lot

ABOUT THE WORK

Traditional painting of the human figure, with its roots in the classical model, is not a thing of the part for artists like Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, who see in the figure a dynamic that applies to all eras. His nude pieces have a touch of European sensibility, owing to the artist’s sojourn in Spain for a significant period in his life. Leonidas Benesa wrote in 1975: “As a…painter, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz is unique: he does not do studies of his subjects or require them to undergo several sittings before he applies the finishing touches and affixes the attesting signature. In fact, the rule for him is to finish (the work) in one sitting, which rarely goes beyond an hour, usually with Brahms playing softly in the background.” As observed in the lot at hand, Alcuaz depicted his muse in a natural and relaxed pose, seated beside a window, with a facial expression that is solemn, as if she is in a state of deep reflection. (Isabella Romarate)