The central motif of Antoni Tàpies’ (1923- 2012) Personnage assis (Variation XI), a mixedmedia work from 1984, has been the subject of many discussions among art historians.
The seated figure, the outlines of which seem to glow golden against the black background, has been interpreted as not only a human figure but also as a cross.
It belongs to a period during which the artist concerned himself with many forms of spirituality. The single visible foot reflects many of his works which often contain symbolised body parts: feet, hands or eyes. Tàpies said these were inspired by votive offerings brought to church by the faithful, to assist in healing infliction.