Nature #317 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The artwork presents a close-up view of an equine subject, dominating the composition with its frontal gaze. The animals head is rendered in soft pastels, primarily employing shades of beige, brown, and grey, creating a muted, almost ethereal quality. A significant portion of the face is captured, emphasizing the large, dark eyes which convey a sense of quiet intensity. The mane appears windswept, adding dynamism to the otherwise still portrayal.
Behind the animal, washes of green and yellow suggest foliage or vegetation, though these are loosely defined and blend into the background, contributing to an overall impression of dreamlike ambiguity. To the left, a partial depiction of another equine form is visible; it appears as a ghostly outline in pale tones, seemingly emerging from or dissolving back into the surrounding space. This secondary figure lacks detail, serving more as a suggestion than a fully realized element.
The artist’s technique involves a deliberate blurring of edges and a lack of sharp definition, which lends an atmospheric quality to the scene. The absence of a clear background further isolates the central animal, drawing attention to its presence and emotional state.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of memory, fragility, and the passage of time. The ghostly apparition of the second horse could represent a fading recollection or a sense of loss. The muted color palette and soft rendering contribute to an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection. The direct gaze of the primary animal invites contemplation on its inner world, suggesting resilience alongside vulnerability. It is possible that the work intends to evoke a feeling of connection with nature and the animals within it, while simultaneously acknowledging their impermanence.