#10982 Rafael Zabaleta

The drawing presents a figure in a seated posture, rendered with bold lines and a limited tonal range. The subject is depicted from the waist up, facing forward with a direct gaze. He wears what appears to be a traditional wide-brimmed hat, its shape somewhat angular and stylized. His attire consists of a long-sleeved shirt tucked into trousers or shorts, which are notably loose fitting. A rabbit, held in his lap, is an integral part of the composition; it’s positioned diagonally across his body, contributing to the dynamism of the pose.
The artists use of line is significant. Thick outlines define the figure and the rabbit, while thinner lines suggest shading and form. The lack of subtle gradations creates a graphic quality, emphasizing contours rather than volume. This stylistic choice lends an air of simplicity and perhaps even naiveté to the work.
The subject’s expression is difficult to decipher definitively; it appears neutral or slightly contemplative. However, his direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, inviting scrutiny. The rabbits presence introduces a layer of symbolic complexity. Rabbits often represent fertility, abundance, and sometimes trickery or vulnerability depending on cultural context. Here, its placement in the subject’s lap suggests a sense of possession or control, but also perhaps a degree of dependence.
The background is plain, contributing to the focus on the central figure and the rabbit. The paper itself appears aged, with visible discoloration that adds to the drawings overall character. This patina lends an impression of antiquity and authenticity.
Subtly, there’s a sense of cultural specificity at play; the hat and clothing suggest a particular regional or ethnic identity, though it remains ambiguous without further contextual information. The combination of directness in the gaze, the unusual pose, and the symbolic presence of the rabbit suggests a narrative element – a moment captured that hints at a larger story or social commentary.