Mauve, Anton – Paarden bij het hek, 1878 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a pastoral scene dominated by muted tones and a palpable sense of quietude. Here we observe a group of horses gathered near a low fence in what appears to be a field or meadow. The foreground is defined by the undulating green grass, punctuated by a shallow stream that meanders towards the right edge of the canvas.
The artist placed several tall, slender trees along the left side, their bare branches reaching upwards against a uniformly overcast sky. These trees serve as vertical anchors within the composition, contributing to a feeling of enclosure and restraint. The foliage is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting a transient quality – a sense that the scene exists in a moment of seasonal transition, likely late autumn or early spring.
The horses themselves are positioned centrally, their forms subtly differentiated by color; one appears dark brown, another white, and a third partially obscured. Their posture suggests a momentary pause, an unhurried stillness that reinforces the overall mood of tranquility. A small figure, presumably a child, stands near the fence, seemingly observing the animals. The scale relationship between the human figure and the horses emphasizes the vastness of the landscape and the relative insignificance of individual presence within it.
The subdued palette – primarily greens, browns, and grays – contributes to an atmosphere of melancholy or introspection. There is a deliberate avoidance of bright colors or dramatic contrasts, which further enhances the feeling of quietude. The light appears diffused, lacking strong directional qualities; this flatness eliminates any sharp shadows and reinforces the sense of evenness and balance within the scene.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of rural life, human connection with nature, and the passage of time. The bare trees might symbolize a period of dormancy or reflection, while the horses represent a timeless element of the countryside. The presence of the child hints at continuity and the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world. Ultimately, the painting evokes a sense of peaceful contemplation, inviting the viewer to share in the quiet observation of this pastoral moment.