#12335 Rafael De Penagos

The watercolor drawing presents a woman in traditional attire, positioned centrally within the composition. She holds a silver platter laden with oranges, which are also scattered around her feet and depicted as foliage on either side. The artist has rendered the figure with a degree of realism, emphasizing her dark hair styled in an elaborate fashion, accentuated by what appears to be jewelry or decorative elements. Her expression is somewhat enigmatic, conveying a sense of quiet dignity rather than overt emotion.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – oranges, reds, and yellows – which contribute to a feeling of abundance and prosperity. The background is a muted beige, allowing the figure and the vibrant fruit to stand out. The red accents in her skirt and the foliage create visual dynamism, drawing the eye across the composition.
The presence of the oranges carries symbolic weight. They are often associated with fertility, wealth, and good fortune. Their prominence suggests an emphasis on these themes within the context of the work. The womans attire, while seemingly traditional, also hints at a certain social standing; the jewelry and the quality of her garments suggest she is not part of the lower classes.
The handwritten inscription along the top edge, though illegible in its entirety without further contextual information, suggests a dedication or personalized message, potentially indicating that this was created as a gift or for a specific individual. The date Valencia 14-II-1938 at the bottom right provides a temporal anchor, placing the work within the later years of the Spanish Civil War. This historical context might imbue the image with layers of meaning related to resilience, hope, and cultural preservation amidst conflict.

The overall impression is one of idealized domesticity and prosperity, possibly intended as a celebration of tradition or a symbol of enduring values during a period of upheaval.