Rafael Durancamps

RAFAEL DURANCAMPS (Sabadell, 1891 - Barcelona, 1979).
"Interior with female figure".
Oil on canvas.
Signed in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 46 x 61 cm.; 67 × 81,5 cm. with frame.

Rafael Durancamps builds here a scene of silent intimacy, set in a space of gallery owner, studio or collector's cabinet. The female figure, seated and absorbed in front of a folder of drawings or prints, is integrated into an interior full of works, frames and papers, configuring an image that refers to the pleasure of artistic contemplation.

The composition stands out for its balance between narration and atmosphere. Durancamps uses a loose but precise brushstroke, with a sober palette of earths, grays and ochers, enlivened by accents of color in the scarf and objects. The light softly models the figures and volumes, reinforcing the recollected character of the scene and its refined bourgeois tone.

Durancamps trained with Vila Cinca at the Industrial School of Arts and Crafts in Sabadell and maintained a close relationship with Joaquín Mir, whose influence can be perceived in the coloring of his first stage. He made his debut in 1917 in the Layetanas Galleries in Barcelona and later studied the masters of the Prado Museum and traveled to Italy.

In 1921 he moved to Paris, where he lived for several years and exhibited at the Zak Gallery, encouraged by Picasso. After returning to Spain he settled in San Sebastian, maintaining a constant collaboration with the Sala Parés in Barcelona. He also exhibited in Madrid, Sabadell, Bilbao, Valencia, London and Philadelphia.

His work is preserved in museums in Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian and Buenos Aires, among other collections.