Cheetah with Thompsons Gazelle kill Simon Combes (1940-2004)

Here we observe a stark depiction of predation in a natural setting. The composition centers on a large feline, clearly identifiable as a cheetah, positioned over its prey – a gazelle. The cheetah holds the gazelle firmly by the neck, its jaws clamped down with evident force. The gazelle lies prone, partially obscured by tall grasses rendered with meticulous detail through cross-hatching.
The artist’s choice of monochrome lends a gravity and immediacy to the scene. The absence of color emphasizes texture and form, drawing attention to the muscularity of the cheetah and the fragility of its victim. The dense hatching used for the grasses creates a sense of depth and suggests an environment both abundant and unforgiving.
The posture of the cheetah conveys a mixture of triumph and vigilance. It stands with a slight crouch, suggesting recent exertion but also readiness to defend its kill from scavengers. The gazelle’s position – limbs splayed, head drooping – underscores the finality of death and the abruptness of lifes termination in the wild.
Beyond the literal representation of a hunt, the drawing evokes broader themes of survival, dominance, and the cyclical nature of existence. It is not merely an illustration of predation but a meditation on the inherent brutality and beauty within natural systems. The artist’s skill lies in capturing this raw reality with a dispassionate eye, allowing the viewer to confront the uncomfortable truths about life and death in the African savanna. The work prompts reflection on the delicate balance between predator and prey, and the constant struggle for survival that defines the natural world.