#12399 Rafael De Penagos

The composition presents a dynamic scene centered around a couple engaged in dance. A woman, elegantly attired and adorned with a headpiece, dominates the visual field through her elongated form and prominent placement. Her posture suggests movement – one arm extended upwards, the other reaching back as if guiding her partner. The artist has rendered her skin tone in warm ochre hues, contrasting sharply with the vibrant pink of her flowing skirt.
Beneath her, a man in formal attire – a black suit, crisp white shirt, and a top hat – appears to be struggling to keep pace. His body is angled dramatically, conveying effort and perhaps a touch of awkwardness. He holds a bottle aloft, likely champagne, adding an element of celebration or revelry to the scene.
The background is divided into geometric sections delineated by thick black lines, creating a grid-like structure that reinforces the stylized nature of the work. A diagonal line cuts across the composition from the upper right corner, further emphasizing the sense of motion and instability. The color palette is limited but impactful: pinks, yellows, blacks, and whites are employed to create visual contrast and highlight key elements.
The text at the bottom indicates an event – a masked ball hosted by a cultural circle – and the year 1933. This contextual information suggests that the work functions as a promotional poster or advertisement. The overall impression is one of exuberance, albeit tinged with a sense of theatricality and perhaps even a subtle commentary on social dynamics – the effortless grace of the woman juxtaposed against the man’s apparent struggle to maintain composure. The stylized rendering and bold use of color point towards an Art Deco aesthetic, indicative of the periods fascination with modernity and entertainment.