Nodriza 1934

José Garnelo painted this oil work, ‘Nodriza’, and immediately I’m drawn into the rich, dark hues that define the goat’s form, contrasting with the sun-drenched wall. Look at the way Garnelo builds up the surface, you can almost feel the texture of the goat’s fur and the rough plaster beneath. Each brushstroke feels deliberate, yet spontaneous, like he’s wrestling with the paint to capture the essence of the scene. The way the dark areas bleed into the lighter ones, creates depth and movement, giving the impression that the goat is breathing. I’m really drawn to the shadows under the goat, which feels like more than just a shadow, instead becoming a space where the known blurs. You know, looking at this, I'm reminded of Courbet's realism, especially the way he grounded his subjects in the everyday. But Garnelo adds this extra layer of warmth that makes it feel uniquely Spanish. For me, ‘Nodriza’ feels like a reminder that art doesn't always have to shout to be heard.