#19543 Mariano Barbasan

The painting presents a herd of large mammals traversing a rocky precipice under a pale celestial body. The composition is dominated by these creatures, rendered in earthy tones that blend with the surrounding landscape. They appear robust and densely muscled, their forms conveying a sense of primal power and resilience.
Here we see a pronounced horizontal emphasis; the animals stretch across the canvas, reinforcing the impression of an ongoing migration or journey. The terrain is rugged, characterized by steep inclines and exposed rock formations. Sparse vegetation clings to the edges of the cliff face, adding subtle textural variation. A distant mountain range fades into a muted horizon, contributing to the overall sense of vastness and isolation.
The light source, presumably the moon, casts a soft glow across the scene, softening the harshness of the landscape and imbuing it with an ethereal quality. The artist has employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of browns, grays, and muted pinks, which contributes to the painting’s melancholic atmosphere.
Subtly, the work evokes themes of survival and adaptation within a challenging environment. The animals precarious position on the cliff edge suggests vulnerability despite their apparent strength. The moon, often associated with cycles and transformation, might symbolize the passage of time or the inevitability of change. There is an underlying sense of loss or displacement; the scene feels both monumental and profoundly lonely. The absence of human presence further emphasizes the animals’ dominion over this wild space, hinting at a world untouched by civilization.