Nature #312 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The artwork presents a close-up view of two equine heads, dominating the composition and drawing immediate attention. The artist has employed a pastel medium, evident in the visible grain and textured application of color across the surface. A muted palette prevails, with shades of grey, brown, ochre, and touches of blue creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and contemplative.
The horse on the left exhibits a predominantly grey coat, rendered with loose strokes that suggest a shaggy mane and forelock partially obscuring its eye. The artist has captured a sense of quiet resignation in this animal’s expression; its gaze appears directed downwards, conveying a feeling of weariness or introspection. Adjacent to it, the second horse displays a reddish-brown hue, its features more sharply defined. A bridle is visible, adding a layer of implied human interaction and perhaps suggesting a working life. The light catches on its muzzle, highlighting the texture of the skin and emphasizing the animal’s alertness.
The background is indistinct, composed of blurred washes of color that contribute to the overall sense of ambiguity. It does not offer specific details but rather serves as a backdrop against which the horses are presented. This lack of contextual detail focuses the viewers attention entirely on the animals themselves.
Subtly, there’s an interplay between vulnerability and strength. The softness of the pastel medium contrasts with the inherent power associated with horses. The close cropping eliminates any sense of expansive landscape or narrative context, isolating these creatures in a moment of quiet observation. This isolation might suggest themes of endurance, resilience, or perhaps even a commentary on the relationship between humans and animals – a silent acknowledgment of their labor and presence within our world. The overall impression is one of restrained emotion and understated dignity.