Joaquim Sunyer's Three Nudes in the Woods: A Noucentisme Masterpiece

Three Nudes in the Woods by Joaquim Sunyer: A Noucentisme Analysis

Chronology

First quarter of the 20th century.

Mancomunitat of Catalonia

It was the union of Catalonia. Enric Prat de la Riba was elected the first president. The Mancomunitat promoted educational and cultural works.

Style of the Author

Sunyer was a key figure in Noucentisme, a movement that ran parallel to Modernisme and advocated for change. Eugeni d'Ors was the major theorist of this movement. Noucentisme was a movement with its own angles. It was a movement of change from Modernisme but not a complete break.

This movement was driven by the Mancomunitat, specifically during the presidency of Enric Prat de la Riba. Noucentisme shared some ideological points with Modernisme, such as:

• Rationalism
• The idea of modernization of art

Sunyer would be one of the most prominent representatives of Noucentisme, along with other 20th-century artists like Manolo Hugué, Xavier Nogués, and Joaquim Mir. These artists formed a group and often painted the same scenery and characters. Noucentisme sought a return to classical Mediterranean roots.

Sunyer was influenced by Renoir (Impressionist), Cézanne (Cubist), Picasso, and Matisse (Fauvist). The art of the 20th century was also influenced by primitive art.

Style of the Work

This is a Noucentisme work. Noucentisme expresses reason, harmony, refinement of forms, soft landscapes, and anatomical forms that represent the ideal of the complete Catalan woman. This Catalan identity was the union between woman and nature.

Technique

Oil painting.

Support

Canvas.

Formal Analysis

Perspective

There is perspective.

Line or Drawing

Line.

Colors

Green, ochre, and brown tones give the feeling of near-monochromatism.

Composition

Symmetrical, open, and with dominant vertical lines.

Iconography

Religious

No.

Origin

Catalan women as a symbol of early 20th-century Catalonia, understood as a motherland.

Interpretation

Idealistic.

Genre

Landscape with three women.

Meaning of the Work

Theme

It is an intimate and relaxing landscape; three women enjoy an idyllic moment. The dog is a symbol of fidelity.

Reception

There was no commission; the author painted out of a need to create and it was directed at society.

Function of the Work

Aesthetic.

Relationship

Today, it is in the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia). It still has the same function. It also helps us understand Sunyer's art.