The artwork titled “Portrait of E.C. Ricart,” created by the renowned artist Joan Miró in 1917, is an oil on canvas painting that measures 81 by 65 centimeters. This piece is representative of the Fauvism art movement and is categorized within the genre of portraiture. The painting is currently held within a private collection.
In the artwork, the subject, E.C. Ricart, is portrayed with bold, expressive lines and vibrant colors that are characteristic of the Fauvist style. Ricart is seated, with crossed arms, and is garbed in a striped outfit that draws the viewer’s attention. His form is outlined with thick, dark lines that contrast sharply with the bright colors used in his clothing and the artwork’s background.
The background is equally striking, featuring a yellow field juxtaposed with a palette and a tapestry depicting an Asian scene, which adds an exotic flavor to the composition. These elements create a vivid contrast with the striped patterns of Ricart’s attire. The treatment of the background elements speaks to Miró’s interest in material reality as well as imaginative constructs, which would later fully manifest in his surrealist works. Overall, the artwork captures the essence of Fauvism, with its unmodulated colors and emphasis on painterly qualities and the strong emotional effect of color and form.
