Nature #17 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by muted earth tones and a palpable sense of quietude. A shallow body of water, reflecting the overcast sky above, occupies the lower portion of the composition, its surface broken by patches of reeds and aquatic vegetation. The water’s edge is fringed with tall grasses rendered in shades of ochre and brown, creating a textural contrast against the smoother reflective plane.
A weathered wooden fence runs parallel to the waters edge, delineating a boundary between cultivated land and what appears to be a more untamed expanse. Beyond this line, a gently sloping hill rises into the background, its surface covered in grasses of varying hues, suggesting a subtle undulation across the terrain. A small hare is positioned on the right side of the hill, partially obscured by vegetation, adding a touch of wildlife and reinforcing the naturalistic theme.
Above, a flock of birds takes flight, their forms blurred against the pale sky. The artist has captured them in mid-motion, creating a dynamic element that contrasts with the stillness of the landscape below. Their dispersal across the upper portion of the canvas suggests a sense of freedom and movement.
The overall impression is one of pastoral tranquility, but theres also an underlying melancholy conveyed through the subdued palette and overcast lighting. The fence, while defining a boundary, simultaneously hints at human intervention within this natural setting. The hare’s presence introduces a note of vulnerability and fragility into the scene. It could be interpreted as a commentary on the delicate balance between humanity and nature, or perhaps simply an observation of a fleeting moment in the rural landscape. The painting evokes a feeling of solitude and contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect upon the quiet beauty and inherent impermanence of the natural world.