Physical Dimensions: w31 x h28.7 x d31.1 cm (Without frame)
Exhibition: Caramulo, Portugal
Donated by:: Mário Carmona
Description: Particularly active between the 1930s and 1960s, Barata Feyo was the most interesting of all the sculptors belonging to the second generation of Portuguese modern artists. Showing great plastic intelligence in keeping away from the strict conventions of the official statue-making (and commission work) of the period, with its classicising or Nuno Gonçalves-inspired canon, the artist left behind a vast oeuvre that included images of historical figures, intellectuals, allegories and religious sculpture, besides more intimist works such as this bust-portrait. Made of bronzed clay, this head of a young woman displays a singular expressive quality that distances itself from the prevailing naturalistic convention in this genre. The long fringed hairstyle dominates the construction of the figure, which is modelled in a compact, wavy fashion that accentuates the effects of chiaroscuro, highlighted by the golden patina. It also frames a face of massive stylisation that extends to the detail of the thick lips and contrasts with the more graphic detail of the thin almond-shaped eyes, the whole effect being that of a singular manner of sculpting with a markedly personal style.