Bad Business (1906)

"Bad Business" (1906) by Isidre Nonell is a striking and evocative piece, reflecting the artist's engagement with social themes through his art. This painting captures a solitary figure, draped in a shawl that envelops the body in folds of dark and light colors. The subject is seated, their posture suggesting a moment of deep contemplation or despondency. The lines are fluid yet sharply defined, exhibiting Nonell's distinctive style that often focused on the lives and struggles of the marginalized.Nonell's choice of somber tones, interplayed with the raw emotions conveyed through the posture of the figure, creates an impactful image that resonates with the viewer. The drawing not only showcases Nonell’s technical prowess with pastels on paper, but also his ability to communicate powerful narratives about human experience.This piece is typical of Nonell's work during a period when he was deeply concerned with social realism, often depicting figures and faces from the fringes of society, imbued with a profound sense of dignity and strength in the face of adversity. "Bad Business" invites us to pause and reflect on its underlying story, perhaps about the harsh realities of life's commercial or social transactions.