#10997 Rafael Zabaleta

The composition presents a seated figure against a muted blue-grey backdrop. A woman is depicted in profile, occupying most of the pictorial space. She appears to be positioned on a simple chair with dark, vertical slats forming its back and legs. Her posture suggests a degree of formality or restraint; her hands are clasped loosely in her lap.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by yellow for the woman’s dress and reddish-brown tones for her hair. The dress itself is rendered with broad strokes and simplified forms, creating an impression of volume through layered planes rather than detailed fabric representation. A distinct lack of shading contributes to a flattened perspective, emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the work.
The face exhibits large, almond-shaped eyes that gaze directly forward, conveying a sense of quiet observation or perhaps melancholy. The mouth is small and subtly downturned, adding to this impression. Hair is styled in tight curls gathered at the sides of her head.
Subtleties within the painting suggest an exploration of identity and representation. The womans direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, yet her impassive expression resists easy interpretation. The simplified forms and limited color range contribute to a sense of universality; she is not presented as an individual but rather as an archetype or symbol. The chair, while functional, also serves to contain the figure, hinting at themes of confinement or societal expectations. The overall effect is one of understated dignity combined with a palpable undercurrent of introspection.