Nature #303 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition presents a study centered around a single animal subject – likely a badger – rendered in a manner that blends observation with expressive abstraction. The background is dominated by a warm, ochre-toned hue, providing a unifying field against which the various depictions of the creature are placed. This monochromatic backdrop serves to isolate and emphasize the forms themselves, preventing any distraction from their presentation.
The central figure occupies a prominent position within the frame. It’s portrayed in a three-quarter view, conveying a sense of immediacy and directness. The artist has employed a loose, painterly technique; brushstrokes are visible and contribute to the overall texture, suggesting fur and emphasizing volume. Light falls across the animals face, highlighting its features – the dark eyes, the broad snout – and creating subtle gradations in tone that define its form.
Surrounding this central depiction are several smaller, more gestural representations of the same animal. These appear as if sketched or rapidly captured studies, offering different perspectives and angles. One shows a profile view, another a frontal gaze, while others seem to be fleeting impressions of movement. The placement of these secondary figures is not rigidly organized; they float within the background, creating a sense of dynamism and suggesting a process of observation and exploration.
The inclusion of what appears to be skeletal remains at the lower left corner introduces an element of contemplation on mortality and the natural cycle of life and death. It subtly shifts the focus from mere representation towards a deeper consideration of the animal’s existence within its environment.
The work seems less concerned with achieving photographic realism than with conveying the essence of the creature – its character, its presence in the world. The artists approach suggests an interest not only in the physical appearance but also in capturing something more elusive: perhaps a sense of wildness or resilience. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and appreciation for the natural world.