The Crossing Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a scene of natural drama unfolding within a landscape dominated by lush vegetation and imposing geological formations. A wide river cuts across the foreground, its surface reflecting the overcast sky and the surrounding foliage. The water appears shallow enough for animals to wade through, evidenced by the substantial number of ungulates traversing it.
Here we see a large herd of animals – likely wildebeest or similar species – engaged in a crossing. They are depicted mid-action, some submerged, others emerging on the opposite bank. Their movement creates a sense of urgency and collective purpose. The artist has skillfully rendered their forms with varying degrees of detail, suggesting depth and density within the group.
The landscape itself is meticulously detailed. A sloping bank leads down to the rivers edge, covered in grasses and scrub. Behind this, a dense thicket of trees provides a backdrop, punctuated by larger, more mature specimens that draw the eye upward. In the distance, a range of hills rises, their slopes blanketed with vegetation, creating a sense of vastness and scale. The muted color palette – primarily greens, browns, and grays – contributes to an atmosphere of realism and naturalism.
Subtleties within the painting suggest deeper meanings. The crossing itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for transition or migration, representing both physical movement and perhaps symbolic journeys. The sheer number of animals involved implies vulnerability and dependence on the environment. Their collective action highlights themes of instinct, survival, and the power of group dynamics.
The artist’s choice to depict an overcast sky introduces a note of ambiguity; it could signify impending danger or simply reflect the natural conditions of the region. The overall effect is one of quiet observation – a moment captured in time that speaks to the enduring rhythms of nature and the precariousness of life within it.