#44691 Aurelio Arteta (1879-1940)

The drawing presents a young woman positioned centrally within a dense, overgrown environment. She is depicted in profile, facing towards the right side of the composition. Her posture suggests a state of surprise or apprehension; her mouth is slightly open and her eyes appear wide. One hand extends outwards, palm upward, as if offering something or reacting to an unexpected occurrence. The other hand holds what appears to be a small knife or similar sharp object.
The surrounding foliage dominates the scene, rendered with meticulous cross-hatching that creates a sense of depth and claustrophobia. The density of the vegetation obscures much of the background, focusing attention on the figure and her immediate surroundings. The ground beneath her feet is uneven and rocky, further contributing to the feeling of an untamed, potentially perilous setting.
The woman’s attire appears simple – a long dress with a high neckline and sleeves that cover most of her arms. Her hair is pulled back from her face, revealing a somewhat severe or stoic expression. The lack of ornamentation on her person suggests a certain austerity or perhaps a deliberate rejection of conventional feminine ideals.
Subtextually, the drawing evokes themes of vulnerability and confrontation. The woman’s posture and facial expression imply a sudden encounter with something unsettling within the natural world. The presence of the knife introduces an element of potential danger or self-defense, suggesting that she may be prepared to protect herself from an unseen threat. The overgrown setting could symbolize a loss of control, a descent into chaos, or perhaps a confrontation with repressed aspects of the psyche. The offering gesture in her extended hand might represent a plea for help, a tentative attempt at communication, or even a symbolic sacrifice. Overall, the drawing conveys a mood of suspense and unease, leaving the viewer to ponder the nature of the threat and the woman’s ultimate fate.