#45252 Arturo Souto

The drawing presents a stark composition dominated by high contrast and bold lines. Here we observe three figures arranged in a dynamic triangular formation. A soldier stands prominently, positioned at the apex of this triangle, holding a rifle aloft. His posture is assertive, conveying strength and purpose. He appears to be striding forward, his body angled diagonally across the frame.
Below him lie two individuals, seemingly wounded or incapacitated. They are intertwined in a pose suggesting suffering and vulnerability. Their faces are rendered with simplified features, emphasizing expressions of pain or distress. The soldier’s gaze is directed towards them, creating a visual link between dominance and helplessness.
Behind these figures, a flag is partially visible, its design obscured by the stark black and white rendering but hinting at an ideological context. The background is largely undefined, contributing to the sense of immediacy and focusing attention on the central drama unfolding within the foreground.
The artist employed a limited palette – solely black and white – which intensifies the emotional impact. The absence of shading creates a flattened effect, emphasizing the graphic nature of the scene. This stylistic choice contributes to an overall feeling of urgency and propaganda.
Subtly, the drawing suggests themes of conflict, sacrifice, and perhaps even revolution. The soldier’s posture implies not only physical strength but also a commitment to a cause greater than himself. The fallen figures evoke empathy while simultaneously serving as symbols of loss or consequence in pursuit of that cause. The flag acts as an emblem of allegiance and shared purpose, reinforcing the narrative of collective struggle.