Les Velles de la Nostra Terra – Vintage 1972 Catalan Oil Painting by Font Sellabona

An evocative 1972 oil painting by Font Sellabona titled Les Velles de la Nostra Terra (“The Old Women of Our Land”). This striking mid-century composition captures a quiet rural scene of four elderly Catalan women in headscarves, seated in a circle, absorbed in intimate conversation or contemplation. A lone cat, painted in shadowy tones, sits in the foreground observing the gathering, adding a quiet tension and symbolic resonance. Painted in earthy, muted tones with expressive brushwork and a masterful play of light and shadow, this work embodies the austere elegance of post-war figurative realism rooted in Catalonia’s cultural identity.

Subject:
Elderly women in a rural Catalan village setting, with a cat in the foreground—representing memory, tradition, and community.

Movement / Style:
Post-war Figurative Realism with echoes of Spanish Costumbrismo and Noucentisme influence

Artist:
José Font Sellabona (1928–2010)

Date:
1972

Medium:
Oil on canvas

Signature:
Signed Font Sellabona lower right in dark paint

Frame Condition:
Simplistic vintage gold frame with linen liner. The frame has visible signs of age, with some cracking and separation in the inner lining and corners, consistent with its vintage nature. It retains strong visual integrity and complements the piece with a warm, classical presentation.

Artist Details:
José Font Sellabona (1928–2010) was a Catalan painter known for his emotionally rich portrayals of rural life and ordinary people. Born in Spain, he painted throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, often working in oils with a subdued, moody palette and a strong sense of local tradition. His work aligns with the Catalan Realist and costumbrista schools, capturing daily life with compassion and painterly depth.