Portrait of Tomás Moragas 

Mariano Fortuny Marsal created this suggestive portrait of Tomás Moragas using ink on paper. At first glance, the monochromatic palette in varying shades of brown offers a study in contrasts. The controlled cross-hatching provides a stark contrast with the textured washes that bring the figure to life. Fortuny’s approach to form and structure challenges traditional portraiture. The figure emerges from a background of loose, gestural marks. Attention is drawn to the areas of intense detail, such as the face and hands. The figure's gaze is directed towards the viewer. The formal techniques used by Fortuny reveal an understanding of semiotics, where specific visual signs carry meanings beyond their literal representation. The incomplete lines and unblended washes could signify the immediacy and flux of modern life, thus inviting us to engage with questions of identity and representation. This portrait moves beyond mere likeness, inviting us to participate in a dialogue about the nature of perception.