#11148 Roelandt Jacobsz Savery (1576-1639)

The composition presents a densely populated landscape teeming with animal life. A panoramic view unfolds, dominated by lush vegetation and rocky formations that define both the foreground and background. The artist has arranged the scene in horizontal bands, creating layers of depth while maintaining an overall sense of unity.
In the immediate foreground, a diverse array of creatures congregates near a body of water. Ducks swim serenely, while various birds perch on reeds or take flight. A group of deer graze peacefully, their forms rendered with meticulous detail that captures their texture and musculature. Further back, other animals – including what appears to be a horse and several unidentified species – are scattered throughout the landscape, contributing to the impression of abundance and natural harmony.
The color palette is predominantly earthy, utilizing greens, browns, and ochres to evoke a sense of organic richness. Light filters through the foliage, creating subtle variations in tone and highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow. This interplay of light and dark enhances the depth of the scene and adds visual interest.
A notable characteristic is the absence of human presence. The focus remains entirely on the natural world and its inhabitants, suggesting a reverence for unspoiled wilderness. The sheer number of animals depicted – a veritable menagerie – implies an idyllic state of existence, one where predator and prey coexist without conflict. This could be interpreted as a representation of primordial harmony or a longing for a return to such a state.
The meticulous rendering of each animal, combined with the expansive landscape, suggests a deliberate attempt to convey not just visual beauty but also a deeper symbolic meaning. The painting invites contemplation on themes of nature, innocence, and perhaps even a lost paradise.