Antonio Monasterio “ Dejeuner". Nr. 3 (surreal Breakfast)

Antonio Monasterio “ Dejeuner". Nr. 3 (Surreal Breakfast No. 3)
Technique: Mixed media on paper (pastels, wax, and red pen)
Dimensions: 56 x 44 cm
Signature: Lower right, in cursive, with the title "Déjeune" next to the signature
Watermarked paper OCF SAVOUEUX
Period: 1970s

Condition: good.

A nude female figure, wearing a large hat, sits quietly at an enigmatic breakfast scene. The small table before her holds indistinct objects, while the composition dissolves into an undefined space, suspended between dream and reality. The delicate lines and soft colors enhance the ethereal nature of the scene, while the red pen strokes add a vibrant yet subtle visual tension.

The artist titled this piece Déjeune, reinforcing the idea of a familiar moment transformed into a dreamlike, almost intangible vision.

This work is part of a collection of over one hundred drawings by the artist, divided into two main series: one dedicated to female figures and another focused on geometric and futuristic forms, reflecting his artistic and intellectual explorations.

About the Artist:
Antonio Monasterio (1915-1983), born in Tenerife and primarily active in southern France, developed a visual language that blends surreal and symbolic elements with reflections on science and mathematics. His work alternates between representations of femininity and explorations of space and the fourth dimension, creating images that fluctuate between reality and imagination.

Franco-Spanish Surrealism and Pictorial Reminiscences

Antonio Monasterio’s work reflects the Franco-Spanish translation of Surrealism, incorporating an oneiric and sensual dimension. His vision carries echoes of Goya’s style: softened contours, doll-like faces, and an almost unreal fluidity of form. This distinctly Spanish approach to shading imbues his figures with a mysterious, at times unsettling, yet inherently sensual and occasionally erotic aura.