#12056 Ramon Torres Mendez

The artwork presents a procession of figures on horseback traversing a landscape. Here we observe four individuals, each mounted on a horse, moving from left to right across the composition. The foremost rider is a young man, dressed in what appears to be traditional attire, holding an instrument – likely a flute or similar wind instrument – to his lips as if playing. His posture suggests movement and engagement with the music.
Behind him, three other figures follow. The second individual is seated rigidly on their horse, enveloped in a dark cloak that obscures much of their form. A third rider sits slightly behind them, also adorned in traditional clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Bringing up the rear is a man dismounted, walking alongside the procession; he wears a similarly styled hat and a patterned shirt, his hands clasped together.
The landscape itself is rendered with a degree of detail, featuring rolling hills and scattered trees that recede into a hazy background. The color palette is muted, dominated by earth tones – browns, greens, and tans – with touches of brighter hues in the clothing details. A band of text at the bottom identifies the scene as Romeria à Chiquinquirá, suggesting a pilgrimage or religious procession to a specific location.
The subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of tradition, community, and faith. The attire worn by the figures points towards a distinct cultural identity, while the procession itself implies a shared ritual or belief system. The inclusion of music suggests celebration and devotion. The dismounted figure walking alongside the horses could symbolize support, guidance, or perhaps even a connection to the earth and the journey itself. Overall, the artwork conveys a sense of solemnity mixed with festive spirit, capturing a moment within a culturally significant event.