#29455 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The drawing presents two overlapping portraits rendered in a gestural charcoal style. The composition is dominated by a monochromatic palette, relying on varying degrees of gray and black to define form and texture. Both figures are depicted from the upper torso upwards, their faces occupying a significant portion of the frame.
Here we see that the artist has employed a technique reminiscent of layered sketching, with one portrait seemingly superimposed upon another. The upper figure appears slightly more defined, exhibiting a softer rendering of facial features – wide eyes, a delicate nose, and subtly suggested lips convey an expression of quiet contemplation or perhaps melancholy. The lower face is less distinct, appearing as if emerging from the background, its details blurred by the overlapping layers. This creates a sense of depth and complexity within the image.
The artist’s use of charcoal is particularly noteworthy. Energetic, almost frantic strokes create a dynamic texture across the entire surface. These marks are not merely descriptive; they contribute to an overall feeling of movement and emotional intensity. The loose application of charcoal suggests spontaneity and immediacy, as if the drawing were captured in a fleeting moment.
The overlapping nature of the portraits introduces several potential subtexts. It could be interpreted as representing duality – perhaps contrasting inner and outer selves, or different facets of a single personality. Alternatively, it might suggest a merging of identities, hinting at shared experiences or interconnectedness. The blurred details of the lower face further contribute to this ambiguity, implying that one identity is partially obscured or subsumed by another.
The surrounding space is not entirely empty; scattered marks and lines extend beyond the figures, creating an impression of expansion and suggesting a connection between the subjects and their environment. These markings are less defined than the portraits themselves, contributing to the overall sense of atmospheric depth. The drawing’s lack of color reinforces its focus on form, texture, and emotional expression, inviting viewers to engage with the work on a purely visual and psychological level.