#12260 Rafael De Penagos

The composition presents a stylized depiction of a female figure, rendered in a monochromatic palette dominated by shades of gold and brown against a deep burgundy background. The figure is positioned diagonally across the frame, evoking a sense of movement or perhaps instability. She appears to be draped in classical robes, with folds meticulously detailed, suggesting an influence from ancient Greek sculpture. Her head is tilted downwards, her expression unreadable, contributing to an overall air of melancholy or introspection.
The text overlaying the image provides contextual information: Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Exhibition of Fine Arts), followed by “de 1936” (of 1936). Further details specify the months of May and June, along with the location – “Palacios del Retiro.” The phrase Catalogo Oficial (Official Catalogue) is positioned at the bottom. The typography employed is formal and somewhat austere, reinforcing a sense of officialdom and institutional authority.
The artist’s signature, Miguel Arroyo, appears in small lettering near the lower left corner.
Subtextually, the image seems to function as promotional material for an art exhibition. The choice of a classical female figure suggests an emphasis on traditional artistic values and perhaps a desire to connect the contemporary exhibition with a lineage of established cultural achievement. The subdued color scheme and somber pose of the figure might imply a reflective or serious tone for the event, rather than a celebratory one. The diagonal placement of the figure could be interpreted as representing a departure from convention or an embrace of modernity within a framework of classical ideals. Overall, the design conveys a sense of formality, tradition, and cultural significance associated with the national exhibition.