Description
The painting "oxen in the sea - study for 'sun of the afternoon' by Joaquín Sorolla, carried out in 1903, is a work that reflects the artist's mastery in the capture of light and color, as well as his deep link with the Spanish marine landscape. Sorolla, one of the most renowned exponents of impressionism in Spain, uses this piece as a sketch that anticipates its famous "afternoon sun", clarifying with its characteristic style that transforms the everyday into a palpable aesthetic emotion.
In this work, the oxen are arranged in the foreground, representing a scene that evokes agricultural work on the edge of the sea. The point of view adopted by Sorolla allows the spectator to feel the strength and weight of the animals, which are modeled through a fluid and almost ethereal technique. The use of loose and rapid brushstrokes translates into a vibrant texture that captures the essence of movement and life in the field, adding dynamics to the composition. This particular approach fulfills not only an aesthetic function, but also tells us about the relationship between man, nature and the sea, recurring themes in Sorolla's work.
The color, a crucial and distinctive element of the Sorolla palette, unfolds here in a rich variety of tones ranging from the Earth's brown oxen to the blue and greenish water. The sunlight, which affects the scene delicately, causes a notable contrast that highlights the contours of the characters represented and the surrounding landscape. The luminosity typifies the Mediterranean atmosphere that fascinates Sorolla, who often sought to capture the subtle variations of light that shape reality.
In the background, the sea extends infinitely, while a clear and luminous sky is insinuated in the upper part, following the tradition of Spanish landscape that stands out for its luminosity and its emotional connection with nature. Although there are no human figures in this particular work, the impact of the presence of the oxen suggests an implicit human bond and the work that life implies in the field, resonating with the agricultural tradition of the Spanish coasts.
It is relevant to emphasize that this painting is part of the body of work that Sorolla dedicated to studies for larger works, reflecting its work method and its particular approach towards artistic creation. This particular study is not only an exercise of composition and color, but also provides a window towards the vision of an artist who celebrated simple life, nature, and light as entities that coexist and enrich our daily experience.
When contemplating "oxen in the sea", one cannot avoid being absorbed by the serenity and strength of the moment that captures. The work, rich in sensations and nuances, reiterates the sorolla ability to channel the essence of the environment, making this study a splendid example of the charm and emotional depth that characterizes its vast artistic production. Sorolla, through their vibrant brushstrokes and their tonal mastery, invites us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Spain, reminding us of the harmony that we can find in the interaction of living beings with their surroundings. This work stands not only as a preparatory study, but as a testimony of the unique talent of a master of art.
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