The Gazelle brings Clothes to his Master Henry Justice Ford (1860-1941)

Here we observe a scene set within a dense, verdant environment. A young man, unclothed and seated on what appears to be a pile of garments, occupies the central foreground. His posture is relaxed, yet his gaze is directed outward, suggesting a state of contemplation or perhaps mild surprise. He holds one leg bent at the knee, while the other rests casually on the heap of clothing.
To his left stands an antelope-like creature, presumably a gazelle, bearing a bundle of fabric draped over its antlers. The animal’s stance is alert and poised, as if it has just delivered its offering. A small metal dish sits precariously atop the bundle, adding to the slightly surreal nature of the encounter.
The background is filled with lush foliage – trees with thick trunks and dense branches create a sense of enclosure and seclusion. The artist utilizes cross-hatching extensively throughout the composition, establishing tonal variations and contributing to the overall texture. This technique lends a graphic quality to the work, reminiscent of wood engraving or etching.
Beyond the immediate narrative suggested by the title – that the gazelle is bringing clothes to its master – several subtexts emerge. The juxtaposition of the wild animal with the human figure hints at themes of domestication and civilization versus nature. The young man’s nudity could symbolize innocence, vulnerability, or a connection to primal existence. The pile of clothing itself might represent societal constructs, material possessions, or even the burdens of responsibility.
The gazelles presence introduces an element of fable or allegory; it is not merely an animal but a messenger, a symbol of something beyond its literal form. The dish atop the bundle could be interpreted as a token of respect, a tribute, or perhaps a subtle commentary on the transactional nature of relationships between humans and animals, or even between individuals within society.
The overall impression is one of quiet narrative, imbued with symbolic weight and inviting contemplation about humanity’s place in the natural world and its relationship to material culture.