#12041 Ramon Torres Mendez

The drawing presents a figure on horseback, rendered in a loose, sketch-like style using graphite or charcoal on paper. The composition is dominated by the central axis formed by the horse and rider, extending diagonally from the lower left corner towards the upper right. A sense of movement is conveyed through the slightly angled posture of both animal and man.
The rider, positioned centrally, wears a hat and a long coat, his arm extended outwards as if gesturing or pointing. His face is partially obscured by the shadow of the hat, lending an air of anonymity while simultaneously suggesting authority or direction. The horse’s head is turned towards the viewer, its expression seemingly alert and attentive. The artist has captured the animals musculature with a few swift lines, emphasizing its power and vitality.
The background is devoid of detail, which focuses attention entirely on the figure and his mount. A handwritten inscription appears in the upper right corner, marked p. 28, likely indicating page number within a larger collection or sketchbook. Another inscription at the bottom left reads “Vendedor de quinobios,” suggesting a possible subject matter related to commerce or trade involving cinchona bark (quinobio). The script is somewhat hurried and informal, consistent with the drawing’s overall spontaneous feel.
The work possesses an immediacy that suggests it was created rapidly, perhaps as a study or preparatory sketch for a larger piece. It evokes a sense of observation and documentation rather than formal portraiture. The gesture of the rider – the extended arm – could be interpreted in several ways: as a signal, a command, or simply a means of maintaining balance while riding. The inscription adds another layer of meaning, hinting at a narrative context beyond the visual representation itself. Overall, the drawing conveys a feeling of dynamism and captures a fleeting moment in time with an economical use of lines and shading.