29441 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The composition presents a domestic interior rendered in a highly stylized and saturated color palette. The scene is dominated by a kitchen setting, but one imbued with elements that disrupt conventional expectations. A central figure, dressed as a regal or ceremonial character – indicated by the elaborate headdress, ornate cape adorned with floral motifs, and what appears to be a scepter – is mounted on an animal resembling a bull or ram. This creature is positioned precariously near an open oven from which emerges a large crustacean, possibly a lobster or crab.
The kitchen itself is characterized by vibrant, unnatural hues: the cabinets are painted in shades of green and blue, while the oven displays pink and purple tones. Above the counter, shelves hold various objects including what appears to be a wooden mask or effigy, adding an element of ritualistic or folkloric significance. A bowl containing fruit sits on the countertop near a sink.
The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing for a comprehensive view of the scenes unusual arrangement. The floor is rendered in geometric patterns that further contribute to the painting’s overall sense of artificiality and dreamlike quality. Shadows are present but lack naturalism, reinforcing the stylized aesthetic.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of power, absurdity, and transformation. The regal figures presence on the animal suggests a distorted hierarchy or a parody of authority. The crustacean emerging from the oven could symbolize unexpected intrusions into domesticity, repressed desires, or even a symbolic rebirth. The exaggerated colors and unnatural arrangement contribute to an atmosphere that is both playful and unsettling, inviting viewers to question the nature of reality and societal norms. The title The Magical Oven further reinforces the notion of a space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur.