Protecting the Flanks Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The artwork presents a scene from what appears to be an African savanna environment. Here we observe a group of elephants moving through a landscape characterized by dry grasses and sparse vegetation. The composition is dominated by these large mammals; several individuals are positioned in the foreground, while others recede into a hazy background.
The foremost elephants command immediate attention. Their size and proximity to the viewer create a sense of imposing presence. Details such as their wrinkled skin, prominent tusks, and expressive eyes contribute to a feeling of realism and individual characterization. The dust kicked up by their movement suggests a purposeful stride, conveying both power and urgency.
The background is rendered with softer focus, employing muted tones that evoke the heat and atmospheric perspective typical of an African landscape. A solitary tree stands prominently in the upper portion of the frame, its branches providing a visual anchor against the sky. The foliage surrounding the elephants creates a sense of enclosure, hinting at a protective or defensive posture within the herd.
Subtleties in the composition suggest themes beyond a simple depiction of wildlife. The positioning of the elephants – with some facing forward and others looking back – implies vigilance and awareness of potential threats. This arrangement could be interpreted as a representation of familial protection or a demonstration of social hierarchy within the elephant group. The dust cloud, while visually dynamic, also introduces an element of uncertainty and perhaps even danger.
The artist’s choice to depict these animals in such close proximity invites contemplation on themes of strength, community, and the delicate balance between wildlife and its environment. The overall effect is one of both awe-inspiring grandeur and quiet vulnerability, prompting reflection on the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.