Cantavieja square

Created in 2012 using watercolor on high-quality paper mounted on a wooden frame, this work by Vicent Penya-Roja captures the architectural and luminous essence of the Plaza de Cantavieja in the Alto Maestrazgo region of Teruel. Mounting the piece on a frame gives it a presentation similar to a canvas, highlighting the paper's texture.

The composition offers a unique perspective, looking out from beneath the ancient arcades toward the open square. A large stone semicircular arch in the foreground frames the view, while a series of smooth-shafted stone columns—along with both pointed and semicircular arches—create a deep gallery extending to the right. A ceiling of dark wooden beams and planks adds warmth and texture to the gallery's interior.

The gallery's stone-paved floor is illuminated by strong diagonal shadows cast by the columns, reflecting the intense sunlight from outside. At the far end of the gallery, an ogee arch shelters a coat of arms and a stone bench.

Outside, the ochre-toned paved square extends to the main focal point: the church's distinctive polygonal tower. Composed of several tiers and topped by a conical spire, it stands out against a clear, cobalt-blue sky. Part of the adjacent building's terracotta tile roof is also visible.

Technically, the work stands out for its mastery of chiaroscuro, contrasting the deep shadows of the arcaded interior with the brightness of the square outside. The use of transparent glazes and precise control of edges allow for the detailed definition of architectural features and the textures of stone and wood. In the bottom-left corner, the signature "Penya-Roja" authenticates this piece, which serves as a fine representation of the Maestrazgo region's heritage.