#12394 Rafael De Penagos

The drawing presents a figure on horseback leaping over an obstacle. The composition is stark and stylized, employing broad planes of color and simplified forms. A limited palette dominates: predominantly white for the horse and background, with reddish-brown hues defining the riders attire and the barrier below.
Here we see a man, clad in what appears to be a cape and riding breeches, seated atop a white equine. The figure’s posture is assertive; he leans forward, suggesting momentum and control during the jump. His face is obscured by a feathered hat, adding an element of anonymity or perhaps theatricality. The horses anatomy is rendered with a degree of abstraction, prioritizing line and form over realistic detail.
Below the leaping pair lies a structure resembling a wooden fence or barrier. Its construction appears rudimentary, composed of thick planks and supported by roughly hewn posts. A ladder leans against this barrier, its presence adding another layer to the scene’s narrative potential. It could signify an attempt at overcoming the obstacle through means other than direct confrontation, or perhaps represent a path back down after the leap.
The artists use of flat color areas and bold outlines creates a graphic quality reminiscent of early 20th-century illustration. The absence of shading contributes to a sense of flatness and emphasizes the two-dimensional nature of the work. This stylistic choice lends itself to a playful, almost cartoonish feel despite the implied action.
Subtexts within the drawing suggest themes of challenge, agility, and perhaps even defiance. The riders masked face could be interpreted as symbolic of an individual concealing their identity while undertaking a daring feat. The barrier represents not only a physical obstacle but also potentially societal or personal limitations. The ladder introduces ambiguity; is it a backup plan, a symbol of retreat, or simply another element within the scene’s visual puzzle? Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of controlled movement and understated drama through its simplified forms and deliberate color choices.