ISMAEL DE LA SERNA GONZÁLEZ (Guadix, Granada, 1898 - Paris, 1968)."Vase with flowers".Oil on

ISMAEL DE LA SERNA GONZÁLEZ (Guadix, Granada, 1898 - Paris, 1968).
"Vase with flowers".
Oil on canvas.
With restorations.
Signed in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 49,5 x 59,5 cm; 73 x 83 cm (frame).
Still life of cubist aesthetics, in which the artist arranges several diverse elements on a table. The composition of the still life has a classical character, placing the table in the foreground and the elements on it in different spaces of depth. However, the angularity of the forms and the way in which the table is arranged in such a way that its position brings the elements closer to the viewer, despite the different planes, are characteristics that denote the influence of Cubist aesthetics in this work. However, the opening of a space towards the outside, thus creating a greater depth of classical heritage, indicates that this is a work that belongs to a mature stage of the artist's career, probably between 45 and 50. Another element to note is the abstract finish used for the background, which was common in some of his works, as can be seen in a still life with violin and saxophone, which belongs to the collection of the Museo y Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, and in which a similar aesthetic treatment is used for the background of the scene.
Ismael González de la Serna began his art studies in Granada and completed them in Madrid, at the San Fernando School of Fine Arts. In his early years he developed an eclectic style of painting, drawing on Impressionist, Symbolist and Modernist sources. One of the first examples of his youthful language can be found in the illustrations he made for his childhood friend Federico García Lorca, in what was to be his first book, "Impresiones y paisajes" (1918). That same year, Ismael de la Serna held his first exhibition in Granada, and shortly afterwards he presented his works at the Ateneo in Madrid. In 1921 he moved to Paris in order to broaden his artistic horizons, joining the circles of the School of Paris. Among his Parisian friends was Pablo Picasso, who influenced his work but was, above all, the Granada painter's protector. During this period De la Serna's style was permeable to the influences of the avant-garde, particularly Cubism and Expressionism, which he worked in a highly personal manner. Likewise, the initial influence of Impressionism was always evident in his work. The year 1927 marked the beginning of a period of strong influence on his work, which began with the painter's solo exhibition at the influential Paris gallery of Paul Guillaume. This exhibition was followed by many others, both in Paris and in Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Granada and Mexico. In 1928 he was commissioned by the director of "Cahiers d'Art", Christian Zervos, to illustrate a special edition of twenty sonnets by Góngora. The key to his recognition lies in his sensual interpretation of the forms of Cubism, based on the relevance of a drawing with a sinuous and highly decorative line, combined with strong chromatic contrasts. With a marked spatial sense and without ever abandoning figuration, De la Serna mainly depicted still lifes, in which he emphasised the sensory aspect of his painting with metaphorical sensory references such as music, fruit or open windows. He also worked on landscapes and portraits. After inaugurating the activities of the Asociación de Artistas Ibéricos in Madrid with a solo exhibition in 1932, the painter embarked on new avenues of artistic experimentation which, after the Second World War, led to a more schematic and simplified style of painting, close to contemporary abstract solutions. Ismael de la Serna is represented in the Patio Herreriano Museum in Valladolid, the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, the Fine Arts Museums of Granada and Seville, the ARTIUM, etc.