ThingsThatNeverWere Robert R Ingpen

The composition presents a densely populated and fantastical scene set against a dark, atmospheric backdrop. A central figure, seemingly a hybrid creature combining human and draconic features, dominates the foreground. This being is positioned atop what appears to be a rearing horse-like form, also exhibiting reptilian characteristics with a prominent horn. The overall impression is one of chaotic power and unsettling transformation.
To the left of this central grouping, a female figure emerges from a tangle of foliage, her expression conveying a mixture of fear and defiance. Her pose suggests an attempt to escape or resist the unfolding drama. The artist has rendered her with a delicate quality that contrasts sharply with the monstrous nature of the other figures.
Beyond the immediate foreground, a maritime landscape unfolds. A small sailing vessel is depicted on the waters surface, seemingly dwarfed by the scale of the fantastical events occurring above it. In the distance, a fortified city rises from the coastline, its architecture suggesting a blend of medieval and imagined elements. The presence of this urban center hints at civilization and order, yet it remains distant and seemingly unaffected by the turmoil in the foreground.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and greens – accented by flashes of red and gold within the monstrous figures. This contributes to a sense of both richness and decay. The dark sky, punctuated with scattered stars, creates an ominous atmosphere that reinforces the feeling of impending doom or supernatural intervention.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of metamorphosis, conflict between nature and civilization, and the fragility of human existence in the face of overwhelming forces. The hybrid creatures suggest a blurring of boundaries – between human and animal, reality and fantasy. The distant city could represent societal structures struggling against primal chaos or perhaps an idealized past threatened by present upheaval. The small ship might symbolize humanitys vulnerability and its limited capacity to navigate such extraordinary circumstances. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of unease and invites contemplation on the nature of power, transformation, and the boundaries of human understanding.