The artwork, “Untitled (Figure Construction with Waving Man)” by Bill Traylor, created circa 1947, is a figurative piece executed in pencil on cardboard. This composition belongs to the Art Brut movement.
The artwork features a bold and somewhat whimsical arrangement of figures. At the center, a prominently depicted red figure wears a hat and stands with hands placed confidently on its hips. The figure next to it, colored in black, appears to be a man in mid-motion, waving one arm. Above them is a blue bird mid-flight, adding a hint of dynamism to the composition. A black, cat-like figure stands beside the central red figure, which enhances a sense of narrative intrigue. Below the main figures, a red dog stands alert, contributing to the overall tableau. The colors are vivid and the shapes are stylized, giving the artwork a distinct, lively character.
