#12410 Rafael De Penagos

The drawing presents a stylized figure seated within a circular frame. The central subject is rendered in a caricatured fashion, with exaggerated features and a simplified color palette. A jaunty yellow cap sits atop a head marked with prominent stitches, suggesting an artificial construction or perhaps a deliberate masking of identity. The face displays a broad, painted smile and large, dark circles around the eyes, contributing to an unsettlingly jovial expression.
The figure is dressed in a formal suit, complete with a tie and waistcoat, which contrasts sharply with the playful, almost grotesque nature of its facial features. One hand is raised in a gesture that could be interpreted as a greeting or a dismissive wave. The legs are crossed, further emphasizing the seated posture and creating a sense of casual dominance within the confined space of the circle.
Below the figure, a small rabbit is depicted, seemingly emerging from beneath the crossed legs. This inclusion introduces an element of whimsy and potential symbolism. Rabbits often represent fertility, vulnerability, or trickery, and its placement in this context could suggest themes of hidden anxieties or underlying fragility masked by the confident exterior of the central figure.
The circular frame itself is significant; it creates a sense of containment and isolation, reinforcing the feeling that the depicted individual exists within a self-imposed bubble. The artist’s signature, Penagos, appears at the bottom right corner, anchoring the work in its authorship while also contributing to the overall composition.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of constructed identity, social performance, and the potential for underlying vulnerability beneath a facade of confidence. The combination of formal attire, exaggerated features, and the presence of the rabbit suggests a commentary on societal roles and the anxieties associated with maintaining appearances.