nature #190 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition presents a study in wildness and primal energy, centered around depictions of wild boars. Here we see three distinct portrayals of the animal, each contributing to a layered exploration of its nature. The dominant figure, positioned centrally and occupying a significant portion of the canvas, is rendered with an almost confrontational directness. Its head is turned towards the viewer, revealing a close-up view of its features – the bristling hair, the exposed teeth, and the intense gaze. This proximity evokes a sense of unease and immediacy, suggesting a challenge or warning.
To the left, a smaller boar emerges from a tangle of golden foliage. The placement suggests a fleeting glimpse, an observation of the animal within its natural habitat. It is less assertive than the central figure, appearing more cautious and observant. This contrast highlights the duality of the wild boar – both a creature capable of aggression and one that exists in quiet communion with its environment.
The third boar, located on the right side of the canvas, is depicted mid-roar. The open mouth reveals a formidable display of teeth, emphasizing the animal’s power and potential for ferocity. This element introduces an auditory dimension to the work, as if the viewer can almost hear the guttural sound emanating from the beast.
The color palette reinforces the paintings thematic concerns. Earth tones – browns, ochres, and golds – dominate, creating a sense of warmth and naturalism. The muted colors contribute to a feeling of realism while also evoking the atmosphere of a dense forest or undergrowth. The artist’s application of paint is loose and textured, further enhancing the impression of untamed wilderness.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of instinct, survival, and the inherent power of nature. The boars are not presented as romanticized creatures; instead, they embody a raw, unyielding force that exists beyond human control or understanding. The varying perspectives on these animals – the direct confrontation, the fleeting observation, and the explosive roar – suggest a complex relationship between humanity and the wild world. It is an exploration of something both beautiful and potentially dangerous, demanding respect and acknowledging its inherent autonomy.