Antonio Monasterio. Four naked muses in the Blue Forest. Nr.4

Antonio Monasterio ( 1915-1983). The Muses in the Blue Forest

Technique: Mixed media on paper (pastels, wax, and red pen)

Dimensions: 56 x 44 cm

Signature: Lower right, in cursive

Support: Watermarked paper OCF SAVOUEUX

Period: 1970s

Description:

Nude female figures emerge from a forest bathed in shades of blue and green, enveloped in an atmosphere suspended between dream and vision. Their delicate expressions and ethereal bodies seem to merge with the surrounding environment, creating a surreal and dreamlike scene.

Monasterio’s characteristic soft and diffuse lines enhance the sense of fluidity and movement. The use of red pen in details, particularly on the nipples and facial features, introduces a striking contrast that disrupts the overall softness, adding a subtle yet vivid visual tension.

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.

Condition:

Good.