Commander Looking Through the Periscope Eric Ravilious (1903-1942)

The composition presents a man in naval uniform intently observing through a periscope. He is positioned on the left side of the frame, his posture suggesting focused concentration and perhaps a degree of tension. The figures profile is rendered with simplified forms, emphasizing the rigidity of his stance and the seriousness of his task. His gaze is directed outward, towards the scene visible through the periscope’s lens.
The periscope itself dominates the left portion of the image, its metallic structure depicted with a complex network of lines that create a sense of mechanical intricacy. The surrounding space appears to be an enclosed area, possibly within a submarine or naval vessel, indicated by the dense, textured background rendered in shades of green and yellow. This backdrop is not realistically portrayed; instead, it functions as a visual field, contributing to the overall atmosphere of confinement and isolation.
Through the circular aperture of the periscope, we see a seascape – a body of water punctuated with ice floes under a pale sky. The scene outside appears distant and somewhat bleak, evoking a sense of vastness and potential danger. The horizon line is low, further emphasizing the expanse of the ocean. The rendering of this external view is stylized, employing linear patterns to suggest movement and texture on the waters surface.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing greens, yellows, blues, and whites. These colors contribute to a somber mood, reinforcing the themes of duty, vigilance, and potential peril associated with naval service. The limited range of hues also enhances the sense of confinement within the vessel.
Subtly, the work explores themes of observation and perspective. The man’s reliance on the periscope highlights the mediated nature of his experience – he perceives the world through a technological intermediary. This raises questions about the reliability of perception and the potential for distortion when viewing reality through artificial means. Furthermore, the contrast between the enclosed space occupied by the figure and the expansive seascape visible through the periscope suggests a tension between confinement and freedom, duty and exploration. The painting conveys an atmosphere of quiet anticipation, hinting at an unseen threat or a crucial moment in time.