Tiscar rosemary - Rafael Zabaleta

A figurative composition by Spanish artist Rafael Zabaleta, depicting three figures before a religious altar in a distinct, flattened style.

Rafael Zabaleta, a painter from Quesada in the province of Jaén, developed a distinct visual language that draws upon the rural life and religious traditions of his native Andalusia. In this composition, he presents three figures positioned before an altar, likely referencing the Virgin of Tiscar, a figure of local devotion. The arrangement of the figures is deliberate, creating a sense of stillness that contrasts with the decorative patterns of their clothing and the surrounding environment.

Zabaleta employs a flattened perspective, a characteristic feature of his mature period. The figures are rendered with simplified, almost geometric forms, yet they retain a strong sense of presence. The woman on the left wears a yellow dress adorned with a subtle polka-dot pattern, while the woman on the right is dressed in a solid blue garment with white trim. Between them stands a child in a pink dress, anchoring the composition. The floor, depicted with a red and white checkered pattern, provides a sense of ground, while the background is filled with stylized floral motifs and architectural elements that suggest an interior space dedicated to worship.

The colour palette is deliberate, using primary and secondary hues to create a balanced visual experience. Zabaleta avoids naturalistic shading, opting instead for clear outlines and blocks of colour that define the forms. This approach allows the viewer to focus on the arrangement of the subjects and the symbolic nature of the scene. The work reflects the artist's ability to synthesise the folk traditions of his region with the formal concerns of modern painting. By stripping away unnecessary detail, he captures the essence of the ritual, presenting a scene that feels both personal and universal. The result is a work that communicates the quiet gravity of local custom through a structured, rhythmic application of paint.