sakamoto hanjiro, three horses in a meadow 1932 Sakamoto

The composition presents three horses within a pastoral setting. The central figure, a pale grey or white horse, dominates the visual field by virtue of its size and placement. It stands erect, its head held high, facing directly forward with a certain stoicism. Flanking it are two other horses; one on the left rendered in muted browns and oranges, and another on the right depicted in darker shades of brown. Their postures suggest a degree of passivity or perhaps quiet observation, contrasting with the assertive presence of the central horse.
The background is characterized by an expansive sky painted in varying hues of blue and white, suggesting openness and breadth. A line of foliage appears along the horizon, providing a sense of depth but remaining indistinct, allowing focus to remain on the equine subjects. The ground beneath the horses displays a complex layering of colors – yellows, pinks, and greens – which creates an ambiguous space that is neither wholly naturalistic nor entirely abstract. This treatment contributes to a dreamlike quality within the scene.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, with visible strokes contributing to a sense of movement and vitality. The application of paint isnt concerned with precise detail; instead, it prioritizes capturing an overall impression of form and color. There is a deliberate flattening of perspective, which diminishes the illusion of three-dimensionality and emphasizes the painting’s surface qualities.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of strength, resilience, and perhaps even solitude. The central horses unwavering gaze suggests a quiet dignity or an internal fortitude. The muted tones and ambiguous setting evoke a sense of melancholy or introspection. While the horses are depicted in a naturalistic context, their isolation from any human presence lends them a symbolic weight, hinting at broader themes of existence and the individual’s place within the world. The color palette, particularly the use of pinks and yellows against the blues, creates an unsettling harmony that prevents a straightforward reading of the scene as purely idyllic.