Benito Pérez Galdós 2021

Alejandro Cabeza’s oil on canvas portrait presents Benito Pérez Galdós against a dark background. The figure emerges primarily through Cabeza’s orchestration of light and shadow, lending the composition a somber yet dignified air. The artist employs visible brushstrokes to construct the form, which reflects an interest in texture. The face is rendered with nuanced flesh tones, bringing a sense of vitality to the portrayal. The subject’s gaze, though directed off to the side, invites speculation about his inner thoughts and character. Cabeza uses a limited palette, relying on tonal variations to model form and create depth. The composition is structured in a way that emphasizes the subject's head and shoulders, placing importance on his presence and intellect. The interplay between light and shadow enhances the sense of volume and spatial depth. This portrait's formal qualities and arrangement reflect a desire not just to depict a likeness, but also to capture a sense of the subject’s persona.