#12370 Rafael De Penagos

Here we see a poster advertising a masked ball (Baile de Máscaras) hosted by Círculo de Bellas Artes in 1910. The composition is dominated by three figures, each concealed behind a mask and draped in flowing robes of varying hues – pink, brown, and beige respectively. These colors contribute to the overall muted palette, lending an air of formality and perhaps even melancholy to the scene.
The central figure commands immediate attention. Their face, partially visible beneath the hood, possesses a solemn expression, suggesting introspection or perhaps a sense of theatrical performance. The positioning – slightly forward and centrally located – implies a leadership role within this masked gathering.
Flanking the central figure are two others, their postures more dynamic. The figure on the left appears to be in motion, with their robes swirling around them, creating a sense of energy and perhaps even a hint of anxiety or urgency. Conversely, the figure on the right seems to lean forward, almost as if observing or participating in a silent drama unfolding before them. Their mask is particularly striking – a stark white visage that evokes an unsettling anonymity.
The artist employed a simplified, stylized approach, reducing forms to their essential shapes and using flat planes of color. This technique lends the poster a graphic quality reminiscent of Art Nouveau or early Modernist design. The strong vertical lines created by the figures’ robes contribute to a sense of structure and formality, while the curves of the masks introduce an element of visual interest and mystery.
The text at the top provides context – a formal announcement of the event. Its placement above the figures reinforces their importance as representatives of this artistic circle. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance, hinting at a sophisticated and perhaps slightly enigmatic social gathering. The poster doesnt merely advertise; it evokes an atmosphere – a world of hidden identities and veiled emotions.