#10940 Rafael Zabaleta

The drawing presents a female figure in a standing pose, rendered with a distinctive and expressive technique. The subject is nude, adorned with a necklace composed of multiple strands of pearls. Her gaze is directed forward, exhibiting a certain stoicism or perhaps resignation.
Here we see the artist employing a dense hatching style throughout the composition. This creates a textural effect that obscures detail while simultaneously emphasizing form through variations in line density and direction. The background appears as a field of parallel lines, contributing to an overall sense of confinement or enclosure. A darker, indistinct shape is visible on the right side, seemingly emerging from the background but lacking clear definition.
The figure stands upon a low platform or ledge, which is itself delineated with a series of horizontal strokes. This placement elevates her slightly, suggesting a presentation or display. The artist’s use of light and shadow is achieved solely through the manipulation of line work; theres no tonal gradation in the conventional sense.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest an exploration beyond mere representation. The figure’s posture conveys a vulnerability that contrasts with her direct gaze, hinting at an internal conflict or a quiet defiance. The necklace, while seemingly decorative, could be interpreted as a symbol of societal expectations or imposed adornment. The indistinct shape in the background might represent an unseen observer or a looming presence, adding to the sense of unease and psychological complexity.
The overall effect is one of starkness and introspection. The drawing avoids sentimentality, instead presenting a figure stripped bare – both physically and perhaps emotionally – within a restrictive environment.