#38872 Emilio Freixas

The drawing presents a dynamic and fantastical scene rendered entirely in black ink on a white background. A central figure, seemingly a knight or warrior, is depicted riding a rearing horse. The rider is clad in armor and holds what appears to be a spear or lance pointed downwards. Above them, partially obscured by swirling lines, a smaller, indistinct figure stands within an arched structure that resembles a gateway or portal.
The lower portion of the composition is dominated by a complex arrangement of serpentine forms. Multiple heads emerge from a central mass, creating a visual tangle of scales and sinuous curves. These creatures appear to be engaged in a struggle with the horse and rider, their bodies intertwined and contorted in an energetic display. The artist has employed repetitive linework to suggest texture and movement within these figures, generating a sense of chaotic vitality.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette emphasizes the intricate details of the line work and contributes to its overall dramatic effect. The swirling lines that surround the central action create a feeling of turbulence and instability, suggesting a confrontation between order and chaos, or perhaps a symbolic battle against overwhelming forces.
A small, detached object – possibly a bone or fragment of armor – lies on the ground near the base of the serpentine forms, adding another layer of narrative ambiguity. It could represent loss, defeat, or simply a discarded element within this fantastical encounter. The composition’s lack of background detail focuses attention entirely on the figures and their interaction, intensifying the sense of immediacy and drama.

The drawings style suggests an influence from folklore illustration or perhaps medieval manuscript illuminations, albeit with a distinctly modern sensibility in its execution.