#12219 Rafael De Penagos

Here we see a promotional advertisement, likely for a record label or music distribution service, rendered in a stylized, graphic manner characteristic of early 20th-century design. The composition is vertically oriented and divided into distinct zones, creating a sense of layered space.
The central figure is a woman reclining on what appears to be a rolled-up blanket or cushion. Her posture suggests relaxation and leisure, reinforcing the idea of enjoying music as a pleasurable pastime. She’s depicted with simplified features and an elegant, bobbed hairstyle, indicative of contemporary fashion trends. The artist has used bold outlines and flat planes of color – predominantly yellow, green, and purple – to create a striking visual impact. This limited palette contributes to the images graphic quality and lends it a sense of modernity.
Behind her, a dense canopy of leaves forms a backdrop, suggesting an outdoor setting, perhaps a park or garden. The foliage is rendered in a solid block of dark green, which contrasts sharply with the lighter tones of the figure and blanket. This contrast draws attention to the central subject while also creating depth within the composition.
To the left, a gramophone sits on a small table, its arm poised over a record. This element directly links the image to the advertised product – recorded music. The placement of the gramophone suggests that it is the source of the woman’s enjoyment and relaxation. The text at the bottom provides further context, identifying the brand (REGAL) and date (October 1930). The typography itself is designed with a similar graphic sensibility as the rest of the image.
Overall, the advertisement conveys a message associating the product with leisure, sophistication, and contemporary style. It aims to appeal to consumers by presenting music consumption as an aspirational activity linked to relaxation and fashionable living. The use of simplified forms and bold colors suggests a deliberate attempt to create a visually arresting and memorable promotional piece that would stand out in its time.