Artwork
Lassitude
Lassitude is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Isidre Nonell. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1910, *Lassitude* is an oil painting by Catalan artist Isidre Nonell. The work portrays a solitary woman rendered in muted, earthy hues, set against a uniformly dark brown background. The composition conveys a quiet, introspective atmosphere, inviting contemplation of the sitter’s inner state.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is a dark‑haired woman dressed in a brown coat, her head turned slightly to the left and her gaze directed downward. Her up‑do hairstyle and subdued expression suggest a moment of fatigue or resignation, echoing Nonell’s interest in the lives of society’s overlooked individuals.
Technique & Style
Nonell employs loose, expressive brushwork that leaves the canvas texture visible, a hallmark of his post‑impressionist approach. The palette is dominated by somber browns, and the handling of light and shadow creates a subtle chiaroscuro effect, heightening the painting’s melancholic tone.
History & Provenance
After its completion, *Lassitude* entered the collection of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, where it remains on display. The museum’s acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to representing early 20th‑century Catalan art.
Context
Nonell belonged to the generation that followed the Modernista movement, integrating post‑impressionist techniques with a darker, more austere sensibility. His focus on marginalized subjects, particularly in late‑19th‑century Barcelona, situates the painting within a broader social realist tendency that contrasted with the decorative optimism of his contemporaries.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Isidre Nonell i Monturiol (30 November 1872 – 21 February 1911) was a Catalan artist from Spain known for his expressive portrayal of socially marginalized individuals in late 19th-century Barcelona.
