Nature #291 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition presents a surreal encounter within a densely wooded environment. Here we observe a young man, clad in a brown jacket and dark trousers, seemingly fleeing from something unseen beyond the frames edge. His posture conveys urgency and apprehension; his head is turned sharply, suggesting a sudden and startling discovery. A bicycle lies discarded on the ground near him, further emphasizing the abruptness of his departure.
Dominating the scene is an enormous rodent – a squirrel or chipmunk – positioned centrally within the forest’s depths. Its size is disproportionate to the human figure, creating a sense of unease and disrupting any expectation of natural scale. The animal appears poised on a fallen branch, its gaze directed towards the man, though its expression remains ambiguous; it does not necessarily convey aggression but rather an unsettling awareness.
The artist employed a palette dominated by autumnal hues – ochres, browns, and muted greens – which contribute to a feeling of melancholy and decay. The foliage is rendered with loose brushstrokes, creating a textured surface that evokes the dampness and density of a woodland setting. Light filters through the trees in dappled patterns, adding depth and complexity to the scene.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of vulnerability and the disruption of perceived order. The oversized rodent can be interpreted as a symbol of the subconscious or repressed anxieties – something lurking just beyond conscious awareness that suddenly intrudes upon reality. The man’s flight suggests an inability to confront this unsettling presence, highlighting a sense of helplessness in the face of the unknown. The abandoned bicycle might represent lost innocence or a disruption of routine and control.
The work operates on a dreamlike logic, where familiar elements – a forest path, a woodland creature, a bicycle – are reconfigured into an uncanny and disquieting narrative. It invites contemplation about the fragility of human perception and the potential for the unexpected to shatter our sense of security.