#12238 Rafael De Penagos

The composition presents a solitary female figure dominating the central space against a vibrant yellow background. The woman is rendered in a stylized manner, characteristic of Art Deco aesthetics, with elongated limbs and a slender physique. Her posture suggests a combination of vulnerability and defiance; she leans forward slightly, her hands clasped before her chest, while her head is tilted upward, as if gazing at something beyond the frame. A dark veil partially obscures her face, adding an element of mystery and concealing her expression.
The artist employed a limited color palette – primarily yellows, browns, blacks, and touches of blue – to create a sense of dramatic contrast and visual unity. The yellow background is particularly striking, serving as a backdrop that emphasizes the figure’s form and isolates her within the composition. The use of shading creates depth and volume, highlighting the contours of her body and adding to the overall elegance of the design.
The presence of a crucifix suspended from a delicate chain around her neck introduces a layer of symbolic complexity. It suggests themes of faith, sacrifice, or perhaps even persecution. The text accompanying the image – La Altísima and “Novela” – hints at a narrative involving elevated concepts or spiritual struggles.
Here we see an attempt to evoke a mood of melancholy and intrigue. The woman’s pose and attire suggest a character burdened by secrets or facing a difficult choice. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion, hinting at a story that explores themes of spirituality, identity, and perhaps even societal constraints. The designs aesthetic choices contribute to an atmosphere of sophistication and allure, typical of the period in which it was created.