#29420 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The painting presents a scene centered around two women engaged in what appears to be pottery making. They occupy the foreground, positioned behind a large cactus and a substantial ceramic vessel. The woman on the left leans forward slightly, her gaze directed towards the other, suggesting interaction or instruction. Her attire consists of a simple white garment with delicate detailing at the neckline. The second woman, situated closer to the viewer, is actively working on the pottery, her expression focused and intent. She wears a patterned headscarf and a tunic-like top adorned with geometric designs.
Behind these central figures, several other individuals are visible, seemingly also involved in the crafting process. They are arranged around what appears to be a long table or workbench, their forms somewhat blurred compared to the foreground subjects. The background landscape is rendered in muted tones of orange and green, evoking a sense of arid terrain – possibly desert or semi-desert environment.
The color palette employed is predominantly warm, with earth tones dominating the composition. A subtle use of light creates a gentle illumination across the scene, highlighting the textures of the clothing and pottery while softening the edges of the background elements. The artist’s style leans towards a flattened perspective, reminiscent of folk art or early modernist approaches.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of community, tradition, and labor. The shared activity suggests a passing down of skills and knowledge across generations. The setting implies a connection to the land and a reliance on traditional crafts for sustenance or cultural expression. There is an understated dignity in the portrayal of these individuals, emphasizing their work as both a practical necessity and a source of communal identity. The deliberate simplification of forms and colors contributes to a sense of timelessness, elevating the scene beyond a mere depiction of everyday life into something more symbolic and enduring.