Family Ties Simon Combes (1940-2004)

Here we observe a depiction of three elephants traversing a savanna landscape. The composition is dominated by the figures of the animals themselves, positioned centrally within the frame and occupying nearly all available space. A large adult elephant stands prominently in the foreground, its massive form partially obscuring a smaller individual that appears to be a calf or juvenile. To the left, another adult elephant walks alongside them, slightly distanced but still integrated into the group dynamic.
The artist has rendered the elephants with considerable detail, emphasizing their wrinkled skin texture and the characteristic features of their anatomy – particularly the prominent tusks and expressive eyes. The lighting suggests a warm, late-afternoon sun, casting highlights across the animals’ bodies and creating a sense of depth within the scene. The tall, dry grasses of the savanna are painted with varying shades of gold and brown, contributing to the overall feeling of heat and aridity. A dense thicket of trees forms a backdrop, rendered in darker greens that contrast with the sunlit foreground.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of familial bonds, protection, and survival within a natural environment. The positioning of the smaller elephant close to the larger adults suggests a protective relationship; it is sheltered by their presence. This arrangement implies a narrative of caregiving and guidance passed down through generations. The vastness of the landscape surrounding the elephants hints at both opportunity and potential danger – a constant negotiation between sustenance and vulnerability that defines life in this ecosystem.
The artist’s choice to focus solely on these three animals, isolating them within their habitat, evokes a sense of intimacy and underscores their significance as individuals within a larger ecological context. The dark background further emphasizes the subjects, drawing attention to their form and presence. Ultimately, the work conveys a quiet reverence for the natural world and the enduring strength of family ties within it.