#12285 Rafael De Penagos

The composition presents a woman seated at a table, rendered in a stylized and somewhat flattened perspective. She dominates the visual field, her posture suggesting a deliberate composure. Her arms are crossed, creating a barrier between herself and the viewer, while her gaze is directed slightly off-center, conveying an air of detached observation rather than direct engagement.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of muted pinks, blacks, and creams against a pale blue background. This restricted color scheme contributes to a sense of formality and elegance, characteristic of the periods aesthetic preferences. The woman’s attire – a wide-brimmed hat with cascading fringe, a dark dress accented with decorative motifs, and a pearl necklace – reinforces this impression of refined taste and social standing.
Several objects are arranged on the table before her: a partially consumed glass of champagne, an ashtray containing a lit cigarette, a compact mirror, and a box of matches. These items suggest leisure and indulgence, hinting at a life of privilege and ease. The presence of the cigarette introduces a subtle element of rebellion or defiance, potentially challenging conventional notions of femininity.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed artifice. The woman’s features are idealized, her expression enigmatic. She appears to be both present and distant, inviting speculation about her inner thoughts and circumstances. The composition seems less concerned with portraying a specific individual than with embodying an archetype – a symbol of sophistication, independence, and perhaps a touch of melancholy within the context of a rapidly changing era. The thin, vertical line extending from the table’s edge adds to the sense of controlled geometry and deliberate design that permeates the work.