#23954 Juan Fernandez Bejar

The composition presents a central figure dominating the vertical format. Here we observe a child-like form rendered with a peculiar blend of realism and stylization. The individual is clad in a voluminous yellow gown, its exaggerated proportions contributing to a sense of theatricality or perhaps even absurdity. A large red mane-like structure frames the head, further emphasizing an otherworldly quality. Two prominent black bows adorn both the hair and the neckline, adding decorative elements that seem at odds with the otherwise muted palette.
The face itself is rendered with a disconcerting stillness; the eyes are wide and seemingly vacant, lacking in discernible emotion. The mouth is small and pursed, contributing to this impression of detachment. One arm is extended outward, as if gesturing or pointing beyond the frame, while the other rests at the side.
Below the figure sits a rhinoceros, depicted in a simplified, almost cartoonish style. It stands upon a low platform covered with red and grey stripes, which introduces an element of pattern and visual complexity to the lower portion of the painting. A few sparse floral elements are visible on the right side of the background, adding a touch of naturalism that contrasts with the otherwise artificial environment.
The color scheme is restrained, primarily utilizing yellows, blues, reds, and blacks. The blue backdrop creates a sense of distance and isolation, while the yellow gown draws immediate attention to the central figure.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of innocence, power, and perhaps even alienation. The child-like form, coupled with the exaggerated clothing and vacant expression, could be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations or the loss of childhood wonder. The rhinoceros, often associated with strength and aggression, placed beneath this seemingly vulnerable figure, introduces an element of incongruity that invites further interpretation. It might suggest a power dynamic, a sense of protection, or even a symbolic representation of something primal lurking beneath a veneer of civility. The gesture towards the unseen could imply a narrative beyond what is immediately visible, prompting speculation about the subject’s intentions and the world they inhabit.