Tressoor #391 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The drawing presents a domestic scene centered around a large cooking pot suspended over a fire. The composition is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, browns, and yellows – which contribute to a sense of intimacy and perhaps hardship. A woman, presumably the mother, stands holding an infant close to her chest, observing the simmering contents of the pot with a concerned expression. Her posture suggests weariness, but also a protective instinct towards her child.
An older woman, likely a grandmother or elder relative, is positioned behind her, actively tending to the fire and adjusting the pot’s suspension mechanism. The lines used to depict her are more defined, suggesting experience and authority within the group. A young boy sits slightly apart from the central action, his gaze directed towards the viewer. His expression conveys a mixture of curiosity and perhaps apprehension; he seems both engaged with and distanced from the scene unfolding before him.
The fire itself is rendered with energetic brushstrokes, conveying heat and movement. The flames cast flickering light on the figures, highlighting their faces and adding to the overall sense of immediacy. The background appears blurred and indistinct, suggesting a simple, perhaps rudimentary dwelling space.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of family sustenance and intergenerational responsibility. The shared task of preparing food underscores the necessity for cooperation within this group. The child’s gaze invites contemplation on the transmission of traditions and values across generations. There is an underlying sense of vulnerability; the reliance on a simple fire for nourishment speaks to a precarious existence, while the expressions of the figures hint at anxieties surrounding survival and well-being. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity amidst challenging circumstances.