#26746 Jesus De Perceval

The composition presents a rural scene dominated by a vast expanse of golden field that stretches towards a distant mountain range. Here we see a farmer, positioned on the left side of the canvas, engaged in plowing with the assistance of a white horse. The farmer is clad in simple work attire – trousers and a wide-brimmed hat – suggesting a life deeply connected to the land. He holds a long wooden tool, presumably used for guiding or controlling the animal.
The horse, rendered in stark white against the vibrant yellow field, appears powerful yet weary. Its posture conveys a sense of labor and endurance. The artist has emphasized its musculature, highlighting the physical exertion involved in agricultural work.
Behind the immediate foreground, a small village nestles within the foothills of the mountains. Buildings are clustered together, painted with a simplified palette that suggests a close-knit community. The presence of the village implies a human element integrated into the landscape, but it remains distant and somewhat detached from the central action of plowing.
The mountain range itself is rendered in layers of blues, pinks, and purples, creating a sense of depth and grandeur. These colors are not naturalistic; instead, they contribute to an overall heightened emotional tone. The sky above is awash with warm yellows and oranges, suggesting either sunrise or sunset – moments that often carry symbolic weight related to beginnings, endings, and the cyclical nature of life.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of labor, tradition, and connection to the land. The depiction of the farmer and horse evokes a sense of timelessness, hinting at the enduring rhythms of rural existence. The stylized colors and simplified forms suggest an idealized view of peasant life, perhaps romanticizing the hardships inherent in agricultural work. Theres a quiet dignity conveyed through the figures’ actions; they are not portrayed as victims but as participants in a vital process that sustains both themselves and their community. The vastness of the landscape dwarfs the human figures, emphasizing humanity’s place within a larger natural order. Overall, the artwork conveys a sense of melancholy beauty, celebrating the resilience and quiet strength found in rural life while acknowledging its inherent challenges.