S. Pereira, Bust of Egyptian Inspiration, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Description

“Bust of Egyptian inspiration”. Author: unidentified. Signature: likely reads “S. Pereira”; possible alternative: “S. Peres”. Probable country: Portugal or Brazil. … Read more “Bust of Egyptian inspiration”. Author: unidentified. Signature: likely reads “S. Pereira”; possible alternative: “S. Peres”. Probable country: Portugal or Brazil. Period: second half of the 20th century, possibly c. 1980–2000. Technique: oil on canvas, with abundant use of material and impasto. Dimensions with frame: 73 × 63 cm. Dimensions without frame: 59.5 × 49 cm. Style to be selected: Contemporary. Complementary framing: figurative, decorative, of archaeological and orientalizing inspiration.

Signature analysis - The signature is located in the lower right corner, executed in red on a highly textured painted area. The most plausible transcription is “S. Pereira”. Painting of vertical composition representing the bust of a young person in profile, facing right. The character presents idealized features – a low forehead, elongated eyes, a straight nose, and a slender neck – inspired by the female iconography of ancient Egypt and, to a lesser extent, Greco-Roman mural painting. Her hair is gathered up and encased in a headdress of green, blue, brown, and ochre, decorated with a braided band. The small white appliqué near the ear may represent a flower or ornament. The figure wears a light-colored tunic, finished at the neckline with geometric green and orange bands. The background consists of an irregular surface in shades of earth, ochre, beige, and rust. The thick application of paint, with incisions, reliefs, and spatula marks, seeks to visually reproduce an ancient wall or a fragment of an archaeological fresco. The use of blue-green and orange introduces chromatic contrast and reinforces the decorative character of the work. This is not an archaeologically rigorous copy of Nefertiti or another identifiable Egyptian figure, but a modern and free interpretation of an ancient bust.

State of conservation - The canvas appears to be in stable condition, without visible tears or gaps on the painted surface. The frame shows: holes and signs consistent with wood-boring insects; wear and minor flaws in the gold and green finish; possible wood-boring activity on the rim and/or wooden elements. Although no insect damage is visible on the canvas, the reverse side is partially damaged by the mounting. Recommendation: preventively isolate the artwork from other wooden objects, remove the frame, examine the frame, and replace the frame entirely. See less