#23888 Juan Fortuny

The composition presents a herd of horses traversing a body of water within a densely wooded landscape. The foreground is dominated by the immediate action: several horses are depicted mid-stride, splashing through shallow water that reflects the ambient light. A prominent white horse occupies the central position, its form rendered with considerable detail and appearing to lead the group. Behind it, other horses follow, their forms slightly less distinct due to distance and the blurring effect of motion.
The background establishes a sense of depth and enclosure. Tall trees, painted in muted greens and browns, rise densely on either side, creating a visual frame for the scene. A hazy atmosphere softens the details of the distant foliage, suggesting an expansive wilderness beyond the immediate view. The light source appears to be diffused, casting a warm glow across the water and illuminating the horses coats.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the overall impression of movement and vitality. The application of paint is thick in places, particularly on the horses’ bodies, creating texture and emphasizing their muscular forms. This technique contrasts with the smoother rendering of the background foliage, which further enhances the sense of depth.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of wildlife, the painting seems to explore themes of freedom, untamed nature, and perhaps even spiritual purity – the white horse often carries symbolic weight in various cultural narratives. The water itself can be interpreted as representing transition or purification, with the horses’ passage symbolizing a journey through a challenging but ultimately transformative experience. The dense forest backdrop might suggest both protection and confinement, hinting at the complexities of existence within a natural world. The signature in the lower left corner suggests a personal touch, anchoring the scene to an individual artistic vision.