#12259 Rafael De Penagos

The drawing presents a portrait of a woman in what appears to be military attire. She is depicted from the upper torso upwards, angled slightly towards the viewer. The artist employed a loose, expressive line style, prioritizing gesture and form over meticulous detail. A dark green beret sits firmly on her head, adorned with an emblem that remains somewhat indistinct due to the drawings stylistic approach. Her hair is styled in waves, pulled back from the face and coiled at the nape of her neck.
The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps quiet determination. The mouth is subtly pursed, contributing to an overall impression of seriousness and composure. She appears to be holding something in her hands, though the object itself is not clearly defined; it could be a document or a small personal item.
The color palette is restricted primarily to shades of green, brown, and grey, applied with a wash technique that softens edges and creates a muted tonal range. This limited chromatic scheme reinforces the somber mood and lends a sense of understated elegance to the subject. The background is largely unrendered, allowing focus to remain squarely on the figure.
Subtly, the drawing suggests themes of duty, resilience, and perhaps even sacrifice. The military uniform immediately implies service and commitment, while the woman’s posture and expression hint at an inner strength and resolve. The artists choice to render her in a somewhat stylized manner, rather than with photographic realism, elevates her beyond a mere likeness; she becomes an archetype of feminine fortitude during a period likely marked by conflict or upheaval. The signature Penagos is visible in the lower right corner, providing attribution without further elaboration on the work’s context.