#45217 Arturo Souto

The drawing presents a scene populated by figures engaged in what appears to be labor or procession within a stark, arid landscape. A group of individuals, clad in wide-brimmed hats and simple garments, are clustered around a cart pulled by two animals – likely oxen or mules – given their substantial build and harnessed appearance. The composition is dominated by the density of figures and the rough texture created through extensive cross-hatching.
The setting establishes an atmosphere of hardship and remoteness. A sparse vegetation, including what seems to be cacti, punctuates the background, suggesting a desert environment. In the upper left corner, a building with a tiered structure rises above the immediate group, hinting at a settlement or perhaps a symbolic representation of civilization in contrast to the surrounding wilderness.
The figures themselves are rendered with an expressive distortion; their faces are largely obscured by shadow and hats, contributing to a sense of anonymity and collective effort. The artist’s use of line emphasizes the physicality of the labor being performed – the strain on the animals, the posture of those guiding them. There is a palpable tension in the arrangement, as if the group is moving towards an unseen destination under duress.
Subtly, the drawing conveys themes of resilience and communal survival. The shared burden of pulling the cart suggests interdependence and a reliance on collective strength to overcome adversity. The starkness of the environment underscores the challenges faced by these individuals, while their continued movement implies determination and hope despite difficult circumstances. The building in the background could be interpreted as an aspiration – a goal towards which they are striving, or perhaps a reminder of what they have left behind. Overall, the work evokes a sense of quiet dignity amidst hardship, portraying a scene that is both specific to its context and universally resonant.