#16782 Manuel Saez

The drawing presents a frontal portrait executed in a stark, graphic style. The figure is depicted from the chest upwards against a plain white background, which is bordered by thick black frames on all sides. This framing isolates the subject and intensifies the focus on his features.
Here we see a man with short, dark hair meticulously outlined. His face is rendered with simplified lines, creating an almost mask-like quality. The most striking element of the portrait are the oversized spectacles that dominate the upper portion of the composition. They appear to be constructed from thin, angular lines and obscure much of the eyes themselves, suggesting a deliberate obfuscation or distortion of perception.
Below the glasses, a large, bright red circle occupies the lower half of the face, functioning as an exaggerated representation of the mouth. Within this circular form, in smaller lettering, appears the phrase VALORE SICURO, which translates to “safe value” or “certain value.” This inscription is central to interpreting the work’s subtexts.
The combination of the obscured eyes and the prominent, labeled mouth suggests a commentary on communication, authenticity, and perhaps even deception. The oversized glasses might symbolize an artificial or distorted view of reality, while the red mouth, bearing the phrase safe value, could represent a manufactured sentiment or a calculated expression intended to convey trustworthiness or security.
The drawing’s limited palette – black, white, and red – further contributes to its impact. The stark contrast between these colors amplifies the sense of theatricality and underscores the artificial nature of the depicted persona. The overall effect is one of unsettling irony, prompting reflection on the constructed nature of identity and the potential for manipulation within social interactions.