#29422 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The artwork presents a figure on horseback, rendered in a style characterized by loose brushwork and a warm color palette dominated by yellows, oranges, and browns. Here we see a man, presumably a cowboy or rancher, seated atop a similarly colored horse. The rider is clad in what appears to be a hat, a button-down shirt, and chaps; the details are suggested rather than precisely defined, contributing to an overall impression of movement and immediacy.
The artist has chosen a vertical composition, emphasizing the height of both man and animal. The horse’s head is turned slightly towards the viewer, creating a sense of engagement while maintaining a forward momentum. The riders posture suggests a relaxed confidence; his hands are positioned casually on his hips, and his gaze seems directed beyond the frame.
The background is indistinct, composed of muted tones that recede into a hazy distance. This lack of detail focuses attention squarely on the central figures. A subtle suggestion of landscape – perhaps scrub brush or low-lying vegetation – is discernible at the base of the composition.
Subtly, theres an element of romanticization present. The warm hues and idealized depiction of both man and beast evoke a sense of nostalgia for a particular era and lifestyle often associated with the American West. The loose rendering style lends a feeling of spontaneity and authenticity, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and resilience, hinting at themes of independence, connection to nature, and perhaps even solitude.