#11480 Ricardo Asensio

The drawing presents a diptych-like composition featuring two portraits of a woman rendered in charcoal on what appears to be toned paper. The central focus is on the faces, depicted from roughly the same angle and with similar expressions, yet exhibiting distinct stylistic choices that suggest an exploration of identity or transformation.
On the left, the subject’s hair is styled in a smooth, swept-back fashion, emphasizing a sense of conventional beauty and perhaps suggesting a more traditional aesthetic. The rendering here is softer, with subtle gradations of tone creating a gentle luminosity on the skin. The eyes are large and expressive, accentuated by thick eyelashes that contribute to an overall impression of vulnerability or allure.
The portrait on the right contrasts sharply with its counterpart. Here, the hair is cropped short, almost resembling a severe bob, which immediately alters the perceived character of the subject. This change introduces a sense of defiance or unconventionality. The shading in this portion of the drawing appears more deliberate and stark, creating a heightened contrast between light and shadow that emphasizes bone structure and lends an air of strength to the face.
The shared elements – the similar gaze, the carefully rendered lips, and the overall facial structure – underscore the underlying connection between the two portraits. They are not entirely disparate figures but rather variations on a theme. The subtext likely revolves around concepts of self-perception, societal expectations regarding female appearance, or perhaps an exploration of the mutable nature of identity itself. The artist’s choice to present these contrasting images side by side invites contemplation about how external factors – such as hairstyle – can significantly impact our understanding and interpretation of a persons character.
The signature at the bottom right suggests a personal investment in this study, hinting that it may be more than just a technical exercise but rather an exploration of a specific individual or concept.