#45189 Arturo Souto

The composition centers on a couple engaged in an embrace, positioned slightly off-center against a dark, indistinct background. The male figure, sharply dressed in a suit and bow tie, holds his partner closely, leaning in for a kiss. She is depicted with short, bobbed hair, characteristic of the era, and wears a simple, elegant dress that reveals her shoulders. Their faces are close, suggesting intimacy and perhaps a degree of urgency or passion.
The artist employed a limited color palette dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, and muted greens – which contribute to a sense of nostalgia and period authenticity. The background is rendered in deep shadows, creating a dramatic contrast with the brightly lit figures and emphasizing their central role within the scene. A circular emblem bearing the price 30 cts sits prominently at the upper left corner, indicating its function as promotional material.
Beneath the image, text identifies it as a “world novel” and provides the title and author’s name. The typography is stylized, reflecting the aesthetic conventions of early twentieth-century advertising.
Subtly, the artwork conveys themes of romance, desire, and perhaps social intrigue. The close proximity of the figures suggests an emotional intensity that might hint at a narrative beyond surface appearances. The darkness surrounding them could symbolize secrets or hidden complexities within their relationship or the broader context of the story it promotes. The overall effect is one of alluring mystery, designed to entice potential readers with the promise of a captivating tale.