Poortvliet Rien nature 222 Sun #217 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition presents a series of depictions centered around a single animal subject: a fox. The artist has arranged these representations in a collage-like format, creating a visual field that emphasizes various aspects of the creatures form and behavior. Six distinct views of the fox are presented, each rendered with varying degrees of detail and perspective.
The arrangement is not haphazard; there’s an intentional layering effect. One fox appears to be reclining, its posture suggesting relaxation or observation. Another is shown in profile, highlighting the sleekness of its body and the sharpness of its features. A third depiction captures a moment of apparent sleep or vulnerability, with the animals head resting on what seems to be a surface. Further views portray the fox in motion – stalking, perhaps – and standing alertly, suggesting vigilance. The smallest fox is positioned at the lower right corner, appearing almost as an afterthought, yet contributing to the overall sense of multiplicity.
The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, siennas, and russets – which reinforce the animal’s natural habitat and evoke a feeling of autumnal warmth. These colors are applied with a loose, expressive hand, creating a textured surface that contributes to the works visual richness. The background appears to be a wash of muted browns and yellows, allowing the fox figures to take precedence.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of the animal, subtexts emerge regarding observation and representation itself. The multiple viewpoints suggest an attempt to comprehensively document the fox’s essence – to capture its various moods, postures, and actions. This approach moves beyond simple portraiture; it implies a scientific or exploratory intent. The layering effect also hints at the complexities of perception – how our understanding of a subject can shift depending on the angle from which we view it.
The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation and reverence for the natural world. It’s not merely an illustration, but rather a meditation on form, movement, and the act of seeing itself.