191. Houses at Sulina

Urban and marine landscapes were most likely the subjects that defined Marius Bunescu's style and artistic direction. The critic Petru Comărnescu noticed the way in which the Oltenian painter detached himself from the Semănătorist manner, so specific to the art of the early 20th century, reaching to propose "something new and own, a reflection of some unprecedented aspects of our country's landscape". Thus, Bunescu arrives at a visual language full of poetry, pushing towards the contemplation of themes rarely explored so deeply by his contemporaries. The analyzed work fits into this direction. By subject and atmosphere, it can be related to the painting "Boats at Sulina", where we find the same contemplative approach, devoid of lyricism or narrative tricks. Both compositions are static, dominated by balance and tranquility, without strong tensions. However, in "Boats at Sulina", there is a slight vibration in the image structure, given by the tilted sails and the discreet presence of some characters caught in the middle of daily activities, giving the place a subtle note of bustle. In contrast, "House at Sulina" emphasizes even more the idea of rest and suspension of time. The viewer has the feeling that the artist has isolated a narrower frame from urban agitation, choosing to contemplate, with patience and silence, the architecture and light. A single character is seen on the right, participating in the city's silence. The sky is clear, and against its background, the silhouettes of the houses describe a harmonious and varied play of shapes. In the foreground, Bunescu places a wooden post, a subtle indication of depth. All these details seem to have a particular reserve and harmoniously contribute to the meditative atmosphere of the entire work.

References

OPREA, Petre, ”Marius Bunescu”, ed. Meridiane, 1971.

Dimensions

width 28 cm, height 38 cm

Description

oil on cardboard, signed lower right, in red, "Bunescu"

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