#12379 Rafael De Penagos

The composition presents a stylized figure seemingly emerging from a field of wheat against a saturated yellow background. The dominant visual element is a female form, rendered in a simplified, almost geometric style reminiscent of Art Deco or early modern graphic design. She wears what appears to be a head covering, possibly a turban or headdress, and her gaze is directed outward with an expression that conveys both strength and perhaps a touch of melancholy.
The figure holds a basket overflowing with fruit – apples are clearly discernible – which she offers towards the viewer. This gesture suggests abundance, prosperity, and potentially generosity. Behind her, the wheat stalks rise in a dense, almost architectural pattern, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing the agricultural theme suggested by the text at the top of the image (Agricultura - Agriculture).
The lower portion of the composition features the head and shoulder of an animal, likely bovine, depicted with similar stylistic simplification. The animal’s presence reinforces the connection to rural life and livestock farming. The limited color palette – primarily yellow, white, and brown – contributes to a sense of austerity and emphasizes the graphic nature of the work.
The text at the bottom provides contextual information: Año VIII. Núm. 87. Marzo, 1936 (Year VIII. No. 87. March, 1936), indicating that this is a cover illustration for a periodical. The signature “Penados” in the upper right corner identifies the artist.
Subtextually, the image seems to celebrate rural labor and agricultural bounty while employing a modern aesthetic. The stylized depiction of both human and animal figures suggests an idealized view of farming life, possibly intended to promote national pride or endorse specific agricultural policies during the period indicated by the date. The woman’s posture and expression hint at a deeper narrative – perhaps resilience in the face of hardship, or a quiet dignity associated with rural existence.