Threat Display Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a large elephant dominating the foreground, positioned centrally within a dense, verdant environment. The animals posture is assertive; its ears are spread wide, creating a visual barrier and suggesting a defensive or confrontational stance. Its trunk is raised slightly, further emphasizing this display of power.
Here we see an intentional use of light and shadow to sculpt the elephant’s form, highlighting the texture of its skin and lending it considerable weight and presence. The artist has rendered the foliage with meticulous detail, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. A diffused light filters through the trees, illuminating patches of the ground and contributing to a humid, almost palpable atmosphere.
The color palette is predominantly earthy – greens, browns, and yellows – which reinforces the natural setting and contributes to the painting’s overall realism. The golden hues in the foreground grass contrast with the cooler tones of the background foliage, drawing the viewers eye toward the central figure.
Subtly, the work conveys a sense of vulnerability alongside strength. While the elephant’s display is intended as a warning, its isolation within this dense environment hints at potential threats or anxieties. The painting might be interpreted as an exploration of territoriality and dominance in the natural world, but also as a commentary on the precariousness of existence for creatures facing environmental pressures. The direct gaze of the animal creates a powerful connection with the viewer, inviting contemplation about human interaction with wildlife and the consequences of encroaching upon their habitats.