#19808 Manuel Angeles Ortiz

The drawing presents a figure enveloped in fabric, rendered primarily in shades of reddish-brown with subtle tonal variations. The subject appears to be female, though anatomical details are simplified and somewhat abstracted, prioritizing form over precise representation. She is positioned in a reclining pose, her body curving gently as she draws her knees towards her chest. One arm is raised above her head, partially obscuring the face, while the other rests upon the fabric draped across her lap.
The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes volume and texture through dense hatching and cross-hatching. This creates a sense of weight and physicality for both the figure and the folds of cloth. The lighting is directional, originating from the upper left, casting shadows that further define the contours of the body and fabric.
Here we see an interplay between concealment and revelation. While the pose suggests vulnerability and introspection, the raised arm and obscured face create a sense of distance or protection. The drapery itself functions as both a visual element contributing to the composition’s dynamism and a symbolic barrier separating the subject from the viewer. It softens the edges of the figure, blurring the boundaries between flesh and textile.
The drawings limited palette contributes to its somber mood. The monochromatic scheme focuses attention on the interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the sense of depth and volume. There is an underlying feeling of melancholy or quiet contemplation conveyed through the posture and subdued color scheme.
The signature in the lower right corner, along with the date 1922, provides a temporal anchor for the work, suggesting it was created during a period marked by significant social and artistic shifts. The style leans towards expressionism, prioritizing emotional impact over strict realism.