#12372 Rafael De Penagos

The drawing presents a figure rendered in a stylized, cartoonish manner within a circular frame. The central subject is a man with a bald head and prominent, exaggerated features – particularly his large, downturned nose and the two crosses marking what appear to be recent wounds on his face. He wears a sleeveless tunic over a yellow undershirt and red trousers, all depicted in bold, flat colors. His posture conveys dejection; he leans heavily forward, with one hand resting on his thigh and the other clasped behind him.
At his feet lies a broken eggshell from which a small chick emerges. The chick is rendered with a similar level of simplification as the man, possessing large eyes and an inquisitive expression. It appears to be looking up at the figure, creating a visual dynamic that suggests vulnerability and perhaps nascent hope or innocence in contrast to the man’s evident despair.
The circular frame itself contributes to the compositions overall effect. Its clean lines create a sense of containment, isolating the scene from any external context. The signature Penagos is visible at the bottom left corner, indicating authorship.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of loss and resilience. The man’s wounded face and slumped posture suggest suffering or defeat, while the emerging chick symbolizes potential for renewal or a fresh start. The juxtaposition of these elements implies that even in moments of profound sadness or hardship, there remains the possibility of new life and hope. The artists choice to employ caricature lends a satirical edge to the scene, potentially commenting on broader societal issues or political circumstances through the depiction of this individual’s plight.