#29436 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The drawing presents two young boys viewed from behind, their attention focused on a small, dark animal held by one of them. The composition is centered around this interaction, with the boys positioned slightly off-center to create visual interest and direct the viewers gaze towards the subject they are observing.
Here we see the boy in the foreground wearing a red and white checkered garment over what appears to be a simple undershirt. His posture suggests tenderness as he cradles the animal, which is partially obscured by his body but seems to be a small mammal – perhaps a kitten or rabbit. The second boy, standing slightly behind and to the right, wears denim trousers and an orange-striped shirt. He leans forward with a curious expression, seemingly sharing in the fascination of the moment.
The setting appears to be outdoors, indicated by the presence of low-lying yellow flowers growing from what looks like a woven basket or container. The ground is rendered with subtle shading, suggesting a gentle slope and adding depth to the scene. The background remains largely undefined, maintaining focus on the boys and their interaction with the animal.
The drawing’s subtexts revolve around themes of childhood innocence, curiosity, and empathy. The act of observing and interacting with an animal evokes feelings of gentleness and responsibility. The fact that both boys are viewed from behind creates a sense of universality; they represent any two children sharing a moment of wonder and connection with nature. The absence of facial expressions allows the viewer to project their own emotions onto the scene, fostering a personal interpretation of the interaction. The composition’s simplicity reinforces the purity and straightforwardness associated with childhood experiences.