FRANCISCO MATEOS GONZÁLEZ (Seville, 1894 - Madrid,... Lot 50

FRANCISCO MATEOS GONZÁLEZ (Seville, 1894 - Madrid, 1976). Untitled. Oil on canvas. Signed in the lower right corner. Measurements: 80 x 100 cm; 84 x 113 cm (frame). The work presents a background based on coloured stripes that already contributes a certain dreamlike air to the composition, strongly accentuated by the figures of great size that it shows, the attires of the same ones and the flat, strong and contrasting colouring that it presents. The geometrised and simplified features of the figures, the lack of naturalism, etc. are just some of the elements that show a strong link with certain pictorial avant-gardes of the 20th century. Considered one of the initiators of Spanish Expressionism, Francisco Mateos began his career as an illustrator for the press until 1921, when he received a three-year scholarship that enabled him to undertake a study trip to Germany, France and Belgium, where he became acquainted at first hand with Central European Expressionism. After a brief period in Spain, in 1927 the painter made another trip around Europe, during which he exhibited at the Paris gallery Tempo. He returned to Spain in 1930 and took part in the 2nd Salon des Indépendants, while at the same time producing illustrations for various publications. During the war he devoted himself to socialist propaganda and took part in the Paris International Exhibition of 1937. After exile he returned to the art scene with exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art (1948) and the Layetanas Galleries (1950). In his works, Mateos expressed a very personal interpretation of everyday life in the form of a sarcastic, tragic and grotesque manifesto of Spain.