Alfonso XIII, Rey de España 1904

Ramón Casas painted this oil of Alfonso XIII, King of Spain, with very few colors and not much detail. The marks are loose and blurry, which gives the painting a sense of ease, as if it were made in one sitting. I'm drawn to the way the brown and red hues blend together, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The texture of the paint is smooth, almost velvety, and the brushstrokes seem to glide effortlessly across the canvas. Notice the area around the king’s jawline, how the artist has used a light touch to suggest form and shadow. It's like a whisper of color, barely there, yet essential to the overall composition. Casas' work reminds me of Manet, who was also interested in capturing the fleeting moments of modern life. Both artists embraced ambiguity, leaving room for the viewer to fill in the gaps and create their own meaning.