Solitary Hunter Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The artwork presents a powerful depiction of a large feline poised within a dense forest environment. Here we observe a creature, likely a leopard or jaguar, resting on a thick branch that extends horizontally across the composition. The animals musculature is rendered with considerable detail, conveying both strength and agility. Its coat displays an intricate pattern of dark rosettes against a golden background, effectively blending it into its surroundings – a visual strategy suggesting camouflage and stealth.
The artist has chosen a viewpoint that emphasizes the feline’s dominance over the landscape. The branch serves as a vantage point, allowing the animal to survey its domain. Its gaze is directed outward, beyond the immediate foreground, hinting at an awareness of potential prey or threats. This focused attention contributes to a sense of alertness and predatory readiness.
The background is characterized by a layered arrangement of foliage, receding into atmospheric perspective. The trees become progressively less distinct as they move further away, creating a feeling of depth and vastness within the forest. A subtle mist hangs in the distance, softening the edges of the landscape and adding to the overall sense of mystery and seclusion.
The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – golds, browns, and greens – which reinforce the naturalistic setting. The lighting appears diffused, suggesting an overcast day or a shaded area within the forest canopy. This subdued illumination contributes to a mood of quiet intensity.
Subtly, the work explores themes of power, solitude, and the relationship between predator and environment. The animal’s isolation on the branch underscores its independence and self-sufficiency. It evokes a sense of wildness and untamed nature, reminding the viewer of the raw beauty and inherent danger that can be found in the natural world. The composition suggests an equilibrium – the feline is both part of and separate from its surroundings, embodying a delicate balance between vulnerability and control.