Segundo Matilla

SEGUNDO MATILLA MARINA (Madrid, 1862 - Teià, Barcelona, 1937).
"Autorretrato".1933-34.
Oil on cardboard.
Signed and dated in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 24 x 21,5 cm; 39 x 35,5 cm (frame).

In this self-portrait, Segundo Matilla uses a close framing that concentrates the attention on the physiognomy, modeled with vigorous touches of ochre and shadows that accentuate the introspective character of the image. The pictorial matter, applied with freedom, reinforces the psychological strength of the portrait and reveals a language close to post-impressionism and to certain expressive currents of Spanish painting at the beginning of the 20th century.

Segundo Matilla was the teacher of outstanding painters of the following generation, including his nephew, Joaquim Terruella, and Antoni Rosell Altamira. His work is currently exhibited in various museums, such as the aforementioned Museum of Contemporary Art in Madrid, the Prado Museum (works on deposit at the Economic Court of the Central Administration and the Municipal Museum of Malaga), the Pablo Gargallo Museum in Zaragoza and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, as well as in important international private collections.