Tall Shadows Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a scene from what appears to be an African savanna environment. Here we observe two giraffes dominating the foreground, their height emphasized by the dense canopy of trees that forms the backdrop. The artist has rendered them with meticulous detail, focusing on the intricate patterns of their coats and the angularity of their limbs. Their poses suggest a moment of quiet observation; one giraffe stretches its neck upwards, while the other lowers its head slightly, creating a dynamic interplay between verticality and repose.
Beyond the giraffes, in the middle ground, a small group of antelopes are visible near what seems to be a water source. The light catches their forms, highlighting their alertness and suggesting a cautious interaction with the environment. This placement creates a sense of depth within the scene, drawing the viewers eye further into the landscape.
The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, browns, and yellows – which contribute to an overall feeling of heat and aridity. The light source appears to be coming from behind the trees, casting long shadows across the foreground grasses and adding a dramatic quality to the scene. These shadows are not merely visual elements; they suggest a sense of mystery and perhaps even foreboding.
The dense foliage in the background is rendered with a textured brushstroke, creating an impression of impenetrable wilderness. The artist’s choice to obscure much of the distant landscape hints at the vastness and untamed nature of this habitat.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of hierarchy and vulnerability within the natural world. The giraffes height grants them dominance over their surroundings, while the antelopes’ proximity to water underscores their dependence on a limited resource. The shadows themselves can be interpreted as symbolic of the challenges and dangers inherent in this ecosystem – predators lurking unseen, or the harshness of the climate. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of awe for the beauty and complexity of the African savanna, while also hinting at its underlying fragility.