f.p., Women in a Tropical Landscape, 1970s, Wood & Canvas

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Women in a Tropical Landscape - monogram “F.P.”. Author: unidentified. Signature: apparently “F.P.” monogram in the lower right corner, followed … Read more Women in a Tropical Landscape - monogram “F.P.”. Author: unidentified. Signature: apparently “F.P.” monogram in the lower right corner, followed by a barely legible date, probably from the 1970s. Assigned title: Women in a Tropical Landscape. Period: second half of the 20th century, probably the 1970s. Probable origin/school: Portuguese or Luso-African school; possible thematic connection with Angola or Mozambique. Media: mixed media on paper or cardboard, possibly gouache/acrylic, ink and graphic materials. Dimensions with frame: 63 × 49 cm. Dimensions of the work: 42 × 28.5 cm. Style: Expressionist. Theme: African rural scene with female figures. Vertical composition depicting two dark-skinned female figures in a landscape of dense vegetation. The main figure, placed on the left, carries a large basket or woven bundle on her head and wears a skirt in light pink tones. On the right appears a younger figure, in intense blue clothing, holding or balancing a container. The landscape is constructed through tall trunks, dense foliage, and a profusely speckled surface, dominated by emerald greens and turquoise. The technique combines fluid stains, drips, splashes, and areas of more defined drawing. The expressive treatment of matter and color distances the work from a conventional naturalistic representation, giving it a tropical, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Based on the clothing, the containers carried on the head, and the vegetation, it may be an African scene – possibly inspired by Angola or Mozambique – executed by a Portuguese, African, or artist connected to the former Lusophone colonial space. Signature and provenance – The mark in the lower right corner appears to form the initials “F.P.”. Below there may be a date beginning with “7”, but the photographs do not allow for a clear distinction between 73, 75, or 79. No sufficiently solid match was found to attribute the work to a specific artist. On the reverse side there is: a label from Casa das Molduras, Lisbon, indicating that the work was framed or sold in Portugal; a pencil inscription “47829”, probably an order, inventory or workshop number; a large cursive inscription on the protective paper, apparently related to the framing shop or a former owner, and not necessarily to the author. The Lisbon mark confirms a Portuguese commercial origin, but does not determine the artist's nationality. Condition - The work appears to be generally stable and protected by glass. Aging and small stains are observed on the passe-partout. The gilded frame shows wear, scratches and occasional loss of finish. The protective paper on the reverse side is torn and perforated and should be replaced with neutral material. See less