image 119 National Museum of Women in the Arts

The drawing presents a complex and layered composition rendered on what appears to be stretched animal hide, lending it a raw, almost primordial quality. The central figure dominates the visual field; it is humanoid in form but possesses exaggerated features – elongated limbs with disproportionately large hands extending outwards, and an oversized head featuring prominent, stylized eyes and a circular protuberance at its apex. This figure’s body is draped in dark blue fabric, which seems to flow around it like a cloak or mantle.
Surrounding this central figure are several distinct elements arranged in a hierarchical manner. A vibrant orange form, resembling a reclining animal or perhaps an abstracted human torso, sits beneath the humanoid figure and serves as a foundational element for the composition. From this base rises a green area that acts as a visual platform for further imagery.
Within a circular space positioned centrally within the drawing, a group of figures are depicted in a dynamic arrangement. A central, slender form appears to be gesturing upwards, while other smaller figures – some canine or leonine in appearance – surround it. These figures seem engaged in an animated interaction, suggesting a narrative scene or symbolic representation of a ritualistic gathering.
The overall effect is one of esoteric symbolism and layered meaning. The use of unconventional materials – the animal hide itself – and the unusual proportions of the figures contribute to a sense of otherworldliness. The outstretched hands of the central figure suggest an offering, a gesture of blessing, or perhaps even a form of control over the scene unfolding below. The arrangement of elements implies a cosmic order, with the humanoid figure acting as an intermediary between the earthly realm (represented by the orange form) and a higher, more spiritual plane (indicated by the circular grouping).
The drawing’s subtexts likely involve themes of power, mediation, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. The unusual iconography and unconventional presentation suggest that this is not intended as a straightforward depiction but rather as an allegorical representation of complex philosophical or religious concepts. The deliberate distortion of human form and the use of symbolic animals point towards a system of belief that prioritizes abstract ideas over realistic portrayal.