Unity II Susan Von Borstel

The artwork presents a close-up view of three horses, positioned centrally within the composition. The foremost horse dominates the visual field, its head angled slightly towards the viewer, establishing immediate engagement. Behind it, another horse peers over its shoulder, creating a layered effect and suggesting a familial or hierarchical relationship. A foal nestles closely against the second horse, further reinforcing this sense of connection and protection.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – golds, yellows, and browns – which contribute to an overall feeling of warmth and serenity. The horses’ coats display a striking pattern of piebald markings, contrasting with the golden hues of their bodies. This visual contrast draws attention to the individual characteristics of each animal while simultaneously emphasizing their shared nature.
The background is rendered in softer tones, depicting what appears to be a field under a twilight sky. A tree with dense foliage occupies the upper portion of the frame, its branches partially obscuring the horizon and creating a sense of enclosure. The artist’s rendering of light suggests a late afternoon or early evening setting, casting long shadows and softening the edges of forms.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of horses, the painting seems to explore themes of kinship, interdependence, and harmony with nature. The close proximity of the animals implies trust and mutual reliance. The foals dependence on its mother evokes notions of nurture and continuity. The natural setting reinforces a sense of belonging and connection to the environment.
The artist’s meticulous attention to detail in rendering the horses’ anatomy and expressions conveys a deep respect for these creatures, elevating them beyond mere subjects into symbols of grace, strength, and familial bonds. The compositions intimacy invites contemplation on themes of unity and shared existence.