nature #203 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The canvas presents a scene dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted yellows – creating a sense of dense foliage and obscured light. Here we see a group of rabbits in mid-leap, seemingly startled or fleeing from an unseen threat. Their forms are rendered with energetic brushstrokes, conveying movement and urgency. The background is less defined; it appears as a thicket of vegetation, blurring the distinction between foreground and backdrop.
The artist’s technique emphasizes texture. Impasto application of paint creates a palpable surface quality, particularly noticeable in the depiction of grasses and undergrowth. This textural richness contributes to an overall feeling of immediacy and raw observation. The rabbits themselves are not depicted with precise anatomical detail; instead, they are suggested through broad strokes and tonal variations, prioritizing their dynamic action over realistic representation.
A subtext within this work appears to be a meditation on the fragility and vulnerability of life in nature. The rabbits’ panicked flight suggests a constant state of alert, a precarious existence dictated by instinct and potential danger. The obscured background reinforces this sense of uncertainty; it implies that threats can emerge unexpectedly from the surrounding environment.
The limited color palette contributes to a somber mood, evoking a feeling of quiet intensity rather than idyllic tranquility. It is not merely a depiction of animals in their habitat but an exploration of the underlying tension and inherent drama within the natural world. The composition directs attention towards the rabbits motion, creating a visual narrative that speaks to themes of survival, instinct, and the fleeting nature of existence.