Masque dit “l’aimée” – Mask known as “the beloved”

“Mask called ‘The Beloved” was executed in cut out, forged and welded iron sheets by Julio González around 1932-1933.

Here, a woman’s face has been reduced to a partial mask.  Its volumes have been broken down into superimposed planes of sheet iron.  In the center, a small element in the shape of an upside-down boot represents a slightly tilted eye and nose.  It is placed in between a half heart-shaped element below, suggesting the right cheek, and a rectangle above, representing the forehead.  The forehead is juxtaposed with a triangular portion of the iron sheet that has been folded backwards at a right angle, in such a way that the left side of the face is mostly missing.

The central nose element is slightly curved and polished in such a way that it captures the reflection of light.  Its shiny smoothness contrasts with the rougher, duller finish of the cheek and forehead.  It is as though the subject has paused, and cocked her face slightly towards the sun to enjoy its warm rays for a few moments. The dematerialization of the left side of her face mimics the effect of it being obscured momentarily by shadow.

“Mask called ‘The Beloved’” is part of a series of inventive masks executed by González in the early 1930s which constitute a laboratory of formal experimentation.  They attest to the impact of non-Western art—its schematization of form, hieraticism, textured surfaces and perceived fantastical aura–on González’s pathway to innovation.