471 

Luis Feito made this oil painting, "471," at an unknown date. Feito was a key figure in the Spanish abstract art movement following World War II. His work emerged during a period of strict political control under Franco's dictatorship, prompting many artists to explore abstract forms as a means of subtle protest. The stark color fields and gestural marks in "471" can be seen as a rejection of representational art that was favored by the regime. Note how the heavy impasto and the intense chromatic contrasts create a sense of tension. To fully understand Feito's artistic choices, we must consider the sociopolitical climate of Spain during his career. Examining historical documents, artists' manifestos, and critical reviews from the time can reveal the complex interplay between art and society, showing us how artists used abstraction to comment on the social structures of their day.