José Luis Benito Rementeria, Portrait of Doña Teresa Molero, 1973, Oil on Canvas

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Oil on canvas “Doña Teresa Molero” José Luis Benito Rementeria (1922), 1973 - Castile and León, Spain

An extraordinary portrait … Read more Oil on canvas “Doña Teresa Molero” José Luis Benito Rementeria (1922), 1973 - Castile and León, Spain

An extraordinary portrait by José Luis Benito Rementeria, painted in the 1970s. This large-format oil on canvas, formerly belonging to the renowned cattle breeder Teresa Molero, depicts the sitter in a slightly tilted pose, with her right leg raised, a gesture that introduces dynamism into an essentially frontal composition. The artist gives absolute prominence to the face, whose direct gaze engages the viewer and establishes the psychological focus of the work. The striking features, dark hair, and defined makeup convey an impression of strength and dominance, in contrast to the serene expression that softens the subject's presence and adds depth to the portrait. The subject wears a fitted white shirt with a plunging neckline and brown trousers paired with a matching corset belt adorned with details such as studs and Spanish tassels that add texture and movement to the work.

The background is rendered in ochre tones that darken on the left side. with no other objects in the composition, the figure takes center stage. This is a typical feature of the artist's portraits, especially those he painted during the 1970s and 80s for private collections (works such as Doña Rosa de Pérez Pellón, 1980; or Doña Lucrecia de Villaverde, 1979), and is a trait inherited from painters like Goya (The Painter Francisco Bayeu, 1795). The background's color palette blends perfectly with the brown and white clothing and the skin's reddish undertone. Furthermore, Benito Rementería employs a play of contrasts in his brushstrokes: very defined and precise in the face and hands, somewhat less so in the hair, and completely loose in the background.

The artist is known for his ability to reveal the personality of his subjects through a psychological portrait. During the sitting, Rementería sought to get to know his clients better, creating a unique bond between artist and sitter. In this case, Teresa Molero's personality stood out, undoubtedly due to her strength and independence, as well as her meticulous attention to personal grooming, with perfectly styled hair, elegant and heavy makeup, and long, pointed nails.

The painting is signed by the artist in the lower right corner. The work appears in Martín de Retana's catalogue.

Literature:

De Retana, Martín (ed.). José Luis Benito Rementería. Collection “Painters and Sculptors of Europe”. Bilbao: La Gran Editorial Vasca, 1998.

· Category: Painting

· Technique: Oil on canvas.

• Title: “Doña Teresa Molero”

• Artist: José Luis Benito Rementería (1922)

• Signed: Signed in the lower right corner

• Year: 1973

• Country of Origin: Spain (Castilla y León)

• Dimensions:

133 x 99 x 5.5 cm (with frame)

116 x 89 cm (without frame)

• Condition: Good condition for its age and use

• Provenance: Private collection, Valladolid

• Bibliography: De Retana, Martín (ed.). José Luis Benito Rementería. “Painters and Sculptors of Europe” Collection. Bilbao: La Gran Editorial Vasca, 1998. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less