#12250 Rafael De Penagos

The drawing presents a scene centered around artistic creation and observation. Here we see a woman seated on a low stool, seemingly relaxed and contemplative, within what appears to be a studio setting. She is dressed in fashionable attire – a fur-trimmed coat, an orange skirt, and stockings – and holds a cigarette between her fingers, contributing to an air of leisure and sophistication.
Behind her, partially obscured by heavy curtains, stands a female model posed before an easel. The model’s posture suggests a deliberate attempt at elegance, while the indistinct nature of the painting on the easel itself hints at the ongoing process of artistic interpretation. A single boot rests atop the easel, adding a touch of casualness to the scene.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted tones of beige and brown, punctuated by the vibrant orange of the woman’s skirt. This contrast draws attention to her presence and suggests a degree of self-awareness or perhaps even amusement at the situation unfolding behind her.
The composition creates a sense of layered observation; the viewer witnesses not only the model being observed by the artist (implied, though absent), but also the seated woman observing both the model and the artistic process itself. The text Del Modelo Vivo (From the Living Model) at the bottom reinforces this theme of direct observation and representation.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of performance, perception, and the relationship between artist, model, and observer. It suggests a commentary on the role of women in artistic creation – not merely as subjects but also as active participants in the cultural landscape. The overall impression is one of quiet elegance and understated social critique.