#36354 Francisco Mateos

The drawing presents a group portrait of three figures rendered in stark black and white with a pronounced textural quality achieved through dense hatching. The composition is tightly framed, emphasizing the proximity and interaction between the subjects. Each figure is characterized by an animalistic head – a bull, a bird, and a deer respectively – mounted upon what appears to be a human body clad in dark, voluminous garments.

The bull-headed figure dominates the left side of the image, his posture suggesting both authority and weariness. He wears a wide-brimmed hat that obscures part of his face, adding an element of mystery or concealment. The bird-headed figure is positioned centrally, leaning towards the deer-headed individual with what seems to be a gesture of concern or shared understanding. This figure’s plumage is rendered with particularly intricate detail, creating a sense of fragility and vulnerability. Lastly, the deer-headed figure sits in a relaxed pose, seemingly observing the interaction between the other two.

The artist employed a limited tonal range, relying heavily on contrasts to define form and create depth. The dense hatching contributes to an overall feeling of heaviness and oppression. The background is indistinct, suggesting an interior space with horizontal lines that may represent shelves or architectural elements.

A handwritten inscription appears at the bottom left corner: ¡Tiemo cuando fuego fatuo en la valsa! This phrase, in Spanish, translates roughly as “Time when will-o-the-wisp dances!” The inclusion of this text introduces a layer of symbolic complexity. A fatum or will-o’-the-wisp is often associated with deception, false hope, and the allure of the unknown – suggesting that the scene might depict individuals caught in a moment of illusion or disorientation.

The combination of animal heads on human bodies invites interpretations concerning identity, transformation, and perhaps even societal roles. The figures could be seen as allegorical representations of different aspects of humanity – strength (the bull), intellect/perception (the bird), and gentleness/innocence (the deer). The overall mood is one of quiet contemplation tinged with a sense of melancholy or foreboding.