art 720 Eliot Porter

The composition presents a densely packed arrangement of figures, seemingly suspended within a dark, undefined space. The artist has chosen to depict them as small, tightly grouped forms, their individual identities largely obscured by the sheer volume of bodies pressed together. A dominant palette of earthy tones – ochres, browns, and greens – creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia and muted intensity.
The figures themselves appear to be human, though their features are rendered with a degree of abstraction that prevents precise identification. They are oriented in various directions, some facing forward, others turned sideways or backward, contributing to the sense of chaotic movement and disorientation. The lack of clear spatial relationships between them further enhances this feeling; it is difficult to discern any hierarchy or order within the group.
The surface treatment is notable for its textural complexity. Layers of paint are applied in a thick impasto, creating a rough, uneven surface that catches the light in unpredictable ways. This technique adds a tactile quality to the work, inviting closer inspection and emphasizing the physicality of the figures. The use of gold leaf introduces an element of opulence and perhaps spiritual significance, contrasting with the otherwise somber mood.
Subtly, there is a sense of suffering or torment conveyed through the compressed arrangement and muted color scheme. The density of the figures suggests a burden, a shared experience of hardship. The obscured faces prevent any easy emotional connection, fostering instead a feeling of collective anonymity within a larger, undefined struggle. The gold leaf might be interpreted as a glimmer of hope or transcendence amidst this darkness, though its presence does not alleviate the overall sense of unease.

The painting’s power lies in its ability to evoke a visceral response without providing explicit narrative content. It is an exploration of human condition – suffering, community, and perhaps even faith – expressed through a highly stylized and symbolic visual language.