The Migration Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a vast African savanna landscape dominated by a large acacia tree. Beneath its sprawling canopy, a pride of lions is positioned, observing a massive herd of zebras in the distance. The scene unfolds under a muted sky, suggesting either early morning or late afternoon light.
Here we see a deliberate arrangement that establishes a clear hierarchy within the natural world. The lions are not merely present; they occupy a position of power and observation, their forms rendered with meticulous detail to emphasize their muscularity and predatory nature. Their gaze is directed towards the zebras, creating an immediate sense of tension and impending threat.
The zebra herd itself appears as a rippling mass of movement across the horizon. The sheer number of animals underscores the scale of the environment and hints at the cyclical nature of life and death within this ecosystem. They are depicted in a somewhat stylized manner, less individualized than the lions, reinforcing their role as prey.
The acacia tree serves as a central visual anchor, its gnarled branches providing both shelter for the lions and a framing device for the scene. The artist’s rendering of the trees bark and foliage demonstrates an attention to detail that contrasts with the more generalized depiction of the zebra herd. This suggests a focus on the individual predators within this larger system.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of predation, survival, and the delicate balance of nature. It is not merely a representation of wildlife; it’s a meditation on the inherent drama unfolding in the natural world – a silent narrative of hunter and hunted. The muted color palette contributes to a sense of solemnity and reinforces the feeling that this is an event playing out according to ancient, immutable laws. The vastness of the landscape further emphasizes the insignificance of individual lives within the grand scheme of things.