Thinking (1906)

The painting "Thinking" by Isidre Nonell, completed in 1906, captures a profound emotional depth through its depiction of a solitary figure engrossed in deep contemplation. The work is notable for its somber color palette and the expressive brushwork that Nonell employs to convey a sense of weight and introspection.The subject of the painting, a woman, is shown with her head bowed and her arms enveloping her knees, creating a compact, introspective pose. The use of dark, muted greens and blues, intertwined with strokes of black, enhances the feeling of solitude and perhaps melancholy. The background, executed in similar tones, blurs the distinction between the figure and her surroundings, emphasizing a feeling of immersion in thought or perhaps a struggle with internal emotions.Nonell is known for his portrayals of marginalized individuals, and in "Thinking," he continues this theme, presenting the subject with a raw humanity that is both intimate and universal. The textured application of paint and the subtle interplay of light and shadow on the woman's clothing draw the viewer's eye to the physical and emotional center of the piece—her introspective posture and the hidden face that suggests a moment of vulnerability or resignation.