#11147 Roelandt Jacobsz Savery (1576-1639)

The composition presents a densely populated woodland scene, dominated by a sense of untamed nature and teeming wildlife. A cascade of water plunges from a rocky outcrop in the left foreground, its movement suggested through blurred brushstrokes and the scattering of spray. Below the falls, two deer lie at rest amidst foliage, their poses conveying tranquility and alertness simultaneously.
A variety of birds are scattered throughout the scene; one takes flight near the waterfall, while others populate the midground and distant areas. The artist has rendered them with a delicate touch, contrasting with the heavier application of paint used for the landscape elements. A small leopard is perched atop the rocks beside the falls, its presence introducing an element of potential danger or predation into this otherwise idyllic setting.
The forest itself appears impenetrable, with trees crowding the view and obscuring any sense of depth beyond a certain point. The color palette is predominantly earthy – browns, greens, and ochres – contributing to the overall feeling of naturalism. A hazy atmosphere pervades the background, softening the details and creating an impression of vastness.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of abundance and the cyclical nature of life within a wild environment. The juxtaposition of peaceful animals with the predatory leopard hints at the inherent balance between harmony and conflict in the natural world. The dense foliage and obscured perspective suggest a realm beyond human control or understanding, evoking a sense of awe and perhaps even apprehension towards the power of untamed wilderness.