JLM-Christian Lassen 26 Christian Riese Lassen

The composition presents a dramatic interplay between natural elements and animal form. Here we observe two horses in full gallop across what appears to be a body of water, their movement generating significant spray that disrupts the reflective surface. The foreground is dominated by this dynamic action, immediately drawing the viewer’s attention to the animals power and grace.
The background establishes a stark contrast with the lively foreground. Towering mountains rise abruptly from the landscape, bathed in an intense, almost theatrical red light emanating from behind their peaks. This fiery illumination casts long shadows across the snow-covered terrain and creates a sense of immense scale and grandeur. The surrounding forest, rendered in deep blues and purples, reinforces this feeling of vastness and isolation.
The color palette is notably striking. The cool tones of the water and forest are juxtaposed with the warm hues of the mountains, creating visual tension and enhancing the overall drama. The horses themselves possess a luminous quality, their white coats appearing almost ethereal against the darker surroundings. This highlights them as central figures within the scene.
Subtextually, the painting evokes themes of freedom and untamed nature. The horses’ unrestrained movement across the water suggests a rejection of boundaries and an embrace of wildness. The imposing mountains in the background could be interpreted as symbols of challenge or aspiration – formidable obstacles to overcome. The red light illuminating them might signify passion, danger, or even divine presence.
The reflective surface of the water introduces another layer of meaning. It not only mirrors the scene above but also suggests a sense of duality and hidden depths. One can infer that the painting explores the relationship between the visible world and something beyond it – perhaps an inner landscape or spiritual realm. The overall effect is one of awe-inspiring beauty combined with a subtle undercurrent of melancholy, hinting at the transient nature of existence within this powerful natural setting.