The man and his moustache — Oil on Canvas by Arnaud Quercy

About This Artwork

This oil painting explores the fragmented nature of identity through a cubist interpretation of a café scene. Part of the Mediterranean Echoes collection, the work questions who we really are beneath the surface, using angular geometric forms to suggest a man not easily defined by first impressions. The composition presents a figure seated under an umbrella at a Barcelona café, where the bustling Rambla provides context for this moment of urban contemplation.

Very dark green tones dominate the composition, creating substantial areas of shadow and depth throughout the canvas. Silver and darksalmon colors provide significant presence in the middle ground, while russet and peru tones occupy notable portions of the figure and architectural elements. Burnt sienna and grayish purple sections create visual weight in key areas, with cadetblue accents appearing in the background elements. The oil technique allows colors to layer and blend, creating smooth transitions between the geometric planes while maintaining distinct boundaries that define the cubist structure.

The work measures 40 × 50 cm and weighs approximately 0.5 kg, painted on canvas with oil pigments. Created in France during 2023, it carries certificate of authenticity number 20231231-0001 and bears the artist's signature on the front surface. This piece was acquired by the Koblenzer Kunstverein in Koblenz, Germany, completing its journey from the artist's studio to a permanent institutional collection where it continues to engage viewers with its geometric interpretation of human presence.