#30291 I C Certamen

The composition presents a man and a horse in close proximity, set against a backdrop of vertical wooden planks painted in shades of red and brown. The darkness surrounding them creates a sense of enclosure and focuses attention on the two central figures.
Here we see an elderly man positioned slightly to the right of center. His face is deeply lined, suggesting age and experience; his expression appears weary but not entirely devoid of warmth. A prominent mustache dominates his upper lip, and he wears a dark cap that casts shadows across his features. He holds a rope or rein in his hand, gently guiding the horse towards the viewer. The man’s attire consists of a light-colored tunic with decorative buttons at the front, hinting at a modest but respectable social standing.
The horse is positioned to the left and slightly forward, its head dominating much of the frame. Its coat displays rich chestnut tones, meticulously rendered to capture the texture of the animals fur. The horse’s eyes are particularly striking; they convey an impression of quiet intelligence and perhaps a touch of melancholy. A bridle adorns its head, indicating it is a working animal accustomed to servitude.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by earth tones – browns, reds, yellows, and blacks – which contribute to the paintings somber mood. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly in the rendering of the horse’s coat and the wooden planks, lending a sense of immediacy and texture to the scene.
Subtly, the work explores themes of companionship and labor. The man’s gentle touch on the rope suggests a bond between him and the animal; it is not one of dominance but rather of shared experience. The horses posture implies trust and reliance on its handler. The setting – the wooden structure – hints at rural life and hard work, evoking a sense of tradition and resilience. The darkness surrounding them could be interpreted as representing hardship or isolation, while the close proximity of the figures suggests mutual dependence for survival.