#38864 Emilio Pettoruti

The composition presents two figures positioned symmetrically against a warm, ochre-toned background. Each figure is rendered in a simplified, almost schematic style, characterized by flat planes of color and minimal detail. They appear as stylized representations of women dressed in elaborate attire.
Here we see the left figure adorned in a vibrant green dress with wide sleeves that extend outwards, creating an expansive gesture. A long beaded necklace drapes down its front, adding a touch of ornamentation. The right figure mirrors this pose but is clothed in deep blue, maintaining the same broad-sleeved design and decorative necklace. Both figures wear hats that sit squarely on their heads, obscuring much of their hair. Their faces are characterized by large, almond-shaped eyes and small, pursed mouths, conveying a sense of formality or perhaps even detachment.
The artist has employed a limited palette – primarily green, blue, yellow for the facial features, and white for the ruffled detailing at the necklines. The background is subtly textured, suggesting a handmade quality to the work. A dark red band runs along the bottom edge, providing a visual anchor and grounding the figures within the composition.
The symmetry of the arrangement suggests a deliberate exploration of duality or perhaps a commentary on societal expectations placed upon women. The stiff poses and stylized features contribute to an overall sense of artificiality, hinting at a critique of superficial appearances or prescribed roles. The exaggerated gestures, while seemingly decorative, could also be interpreted as attempts to assert individuality within restrictive frameworks. The work’s simplicity lends itself to multiple readings; it might be seen as a playful depiction of fashion, a satirical observation of social conventions, or an exploration of identity through symbolic representation.