Maria da Fonte 1957

Julio Pomar created this painting, Maria da Fonte, using traditional materials: oil paints applied to canvas. But don't let the familiarity of the medium fool you. Pomar uses it here to evoke something raw and visceral. The thick application of paint, especially the dominant blacks and ochres, creates a sense of weight and density. You can almost feel the press of the crowd, the grit and grime of their struggle. The subjects emerge from the darkness, their faces and hands rendered with quick, gestural strokes. This direct, almost brutal approach mirrors the uprising depicted, a popular revolt against economic hardship and governmental oppression in 19th century Portugal. Pomar isn't interested in refined technique here. His emphasis is on conveying the energy and urgency of a people pushed to their limits. This painting reminds us that even the most conventional materials can be used to powerful effect, challenging traditional notions of beauty and skill. It's a reminder that art can be a tool for social commentary, a means of giving voice to the marginalized.