29406 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The artwork presents a portrait of a woman against a stark, pale green background that is sharply contrasted by a dark border. The figure occupies nearly the entire frame, emphasizing her presence and commanding attention. She is depicted in profile, angled slightly towards the viewer, with an expression that conveys both confidence and introspection. Her gaze is directed downwards, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps a subtle defiance.
The artist employed a simplified, stylized aesthetic; forms are rendered with clean lines and broad planes of color, eschewing detailed rendering. The skin tone is warm and rich, illuminated by soft lighting that highlights the contours of her face and shoulders. Her lips are painted in a vibrant red, drawing focus to her mouth and adding a touch of sensuality to the composition. The dark hair is cropped short and neatly styled, contributing to an overall impression of modernity and self-assuredness.
A striking element of the work is the elaborate arm cuff that encircles her left forearm. The cuff consists of multiple stacked bands featuring a pattern of green, yellow, red, and black – colors often associated with Pan-African symbolism. This detail introduces layers of meaning beyond the purely aesthetic; it suggests an engagement with cultural heritage and identity.
The text Natural Beauty appears at the bottom of the image, reinforcing the theme of celebrating inherent qualities and challenging conventional beauty standards. The signature “J.W. Ford” is present in the lower left corner, as well as repeated on the right side. The overall effect is one of dignified elegance combined with a subtle assertion of cultural pride and self-possession. The work seems to be less about individual representation and more about conveying a broader message concerning identity, beauty, and heritage.