#19802 Manuel Angeles Ortiz

The drawing presents a seated male figure rendered in a style characterized by angularity and simplification. The subject is positioned at a slight diagonal within the rectangular frame, creating a dynamic sense of movement despite his stillness. He rests with one leg bent and drawn up towards his chest, while the other extends outward, contributing to an asymmetrical composition.
The artist has employed a limited tonal range, primarily utilizing variations in line weight to suggest form and volume. The musculature is indicated through bold strokes that define the contours of the torso, arms, and legs. Facial features are reduced to essential elements – a prominent brow, a straight nose, and a slightly downturned mouth – conveying an expression of introspection or perhaps melancholy.
The background appears devoid of detail, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the figure. The treatment of the body suggests an interest in exploring underlying structure rather than surface appearance; it is less about realistic representation and more about capturing an essence of human form through geometric simplification.
A small, roughly sketched area near the lower right corner introduces a textural contrast, possibly intended as a study or preliminary exploration of a different rendering technique. The signature and date (1923) are positioned in the lower left corner, providing contextual information without disrupting the overall composition.
Subtly, there is an implication of vulnerability within the figure’s posture; the bent leg and inward gaze suggest a withdrawal from external engagement. This, combined with the starkness of the drawing style, evokes a sense of isolation or contemplation. The work seems to be less about celebrating physical strength and more about exploring the psychological state of the individual.