#39971 Edgar Hunt

The composition presents a pastoral scene centered around a group of horses and ducks gathered near a water source. A weathered wooden structure, likely a stable or shelter, dominates the left side of the frame, its thatched roof casting a shadow over the animals. The artist positioned four horses in varying poses: one grazes peacefully, another appears to be drinking from the pool, while two stand alertly, seemingly observing their surroundings. Their coats display a range of colors – brown, chestnut, and a striking white – creating visual interest and contributing to the overall harmony of the scene.
Below the horses, a small group of ducks congregates at the waters edge, their white plumage contrasting with the darker tones of the ground and the horses’ coats. The water itself is rendered with subtle reflections, suggesting depth and tranquility. Beyond this immediate foreground, a landscape unfolds – a field extending towards a distant treeline under a muted sky.
The painting evokes a sense of rural serenity and quiet industry. The presence of both horses and ducks suggests an agricultural setting, hinting at the symbiotic relationship between animals and human labor in a traditional farming context. The stable’s aged appearance implies a history of use and connection to the land. There is a deliberate avoidance of dramatic action; instead, the focus rests on the simple rhythms of animal life and the understated beauty of the countryside.
The subdued color palette – dominated by earthy browns, greens, and muted yellows – reinforces this atmosphere of quietude and timelessness. The artist’s attention to detail in rendering the animals anatomy and textures conveys a respect for the natural world and its inhabitants. Ultimately, the work appears to celebrate the enduring appeal of rural life and the simple pleasures found within it.