#44106 Benvenuto Benvenuti

The artwork presents a scene dominated by a large, dilapidated structure mounted on wheels, pulled by a single ox. The composition is arranged horizontally, with the landscape occupying the lower portion and a sky filling the upper half of the canvas. A gentle rise in the terrain forms a backdrop for the central elements, creating a sense of depth despite the flattened perspective characteristic of the style.
The structure itself appears to be a makeshift dwelling or shelter, constructed from rough-hewn timber and covered with what seems to be straw or thatch, now partially decayed. Its size is imposing, dwarfing the ox and suggesting a mobile existence, perhaps indicative of itinerant labor or displacement. The ox, rendered in earthy tones, stands patiently, its posture conveying both strength and resignation.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing muted browns, yellows, and blues. The sky displays a gradient from pale yellow near the horizon to a cooler blue overhead, hinting at either sunrise or sunset. This subdued coloration contributes to an overall atmosphere of melancholy and quietude. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, applied in short, deliberate strokes that create texture and emphasize the rough quality of the materials depicted.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of transience and hardship. The dilapidated structure suggests a life lived on the margins, constantly moving and rebuilding. The ox’s presence implies labor and servitude, while its solitary status reinforces a sense of isolation. The landscape itself seems barren and unforgiving, devoid of any signs of prosperity or ease.
The absence of human figures is significant; it directs attention to the physical environment and the animal that sustains it, prompting reflection on themes of survival, resilience, and the cyclical nature of labor within a rural context. The work’s power lies in its ability to convey these complex emotions through simple forms and a restrained visual language.