Nature Vliet Poortvliet

The drawing presents two deer in close proximity, their heads dominating the composition. The artist has focused intently on capturing the animals anatomy and texture; individual hairs are rendered with meticulous detail, creating a sense of realism that borders on hyperrealism. The warm palette – primarily browns, tans, and creams – lends the scene an earthy quality, while also contributing to a feeling of quiet intimacy.
The foreground deer is positioned slightly lower than its companion, establishing a subtle hierarchy within the pair. Its gaze is direct, almost confrontational, drawing the viewer into its world. The second deer, partially obscured by the first, appears more passive, its antlers reaching upwards and out of frame, suggesting a connection to something beyond the immediate view.
The artist’s choice to depict these animals against a stark black background isolates them, removing any contextual clues about their habitat or environment. This isolation amplifies the focus on the deer themselves, transforming them into symbols rather than simply representations of wildlife. The text inscribed at the bottom left corner – bok en geit in het winterhaar – adds another layer of meaning; it identifies the animals as a buck and a nanny goat (though geit is typically used for female goats), both sporting their winter coats, further emphasizing themes of resilience and adaptation to harsh conditions.
Subtly, there’s an element of melancholy present in the drawing. The muted colors, combined with the deers solemn expressions, evoke a sense of introspection or perhaps even vulnerability. It is not merely a depiction of nature; it seems to be an exploration of existence within it – a quiet contemplation on survival and connection.