Calling the Cubs Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a female lion positioned prominently in the foreground, viewed from behind. She stands atop a fallen log, which serves as a visual bridge between the immediate foliage and the expansive landscape beyond. Her posture is characterized by an upward tilt of her head, mouth open in what appears to be a call or vocalization. The artist has rendered the fur with meticulous detail, capturing both its texture and the play of light across its surface.
The background reveals a vast savanna stretching into the distance. A herd of antelope grazes within this expanse, their forms somewhat indistinct due to atmospheric perspective – they appear softer and less detailed than the lioness, suggesting depth and scale. The horizon line is relatively low, emphasizing the breadth of the open space. Sparse trees dot the landscape, contributing to a sense of isolation and wildness.
The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones: ochres, yellows, and browns prevail in both the foreground vegetation and the savanna itself. A muted blue-grey sky provides contrast, but does not detract from the overall feeling of warmth and dryness. The lighting suggests either early morning or late afternoon, with a soft, diffused quality that minimizes harsh shadows.
Subtextually, the painting evokes themes of maternal instinct and territoriality. The lioness’s call likely signifies an attempt to locate her cubs, imbuing the scene with a sense of urgency and vulnerability. Her elevated position on the log suggests dominance and vigilance; she surveys her domain from a vantage point that allows for observation of potential threats or opportunities.
The vastness of the savanna underscores the lioness’s place within a larger ecosystem – one characterized by both abundance (the antelope herd) and inherent danger. The fallen log, while providing a platform for the lioness, also symbolizes decay and the cyclical nature of life in this environment. Ultimately, the work conveys a powerful sense of wildness, solitude, and the enduring strength of a mother’s bond within a challenging natural world.