Serie noir et blanc XIII Robert Gerard

The artwork presents a dynamic scene featuring two horses moving through water. The composition is dominated by shades of gray, black, and white, with subtle hints of brown and teal contributing depth and visual interest. Here we see the animals captured mid-stride, their forms partially obscured by splashes and droplets emanating from the waters surface.
The artist’s technique emphasizes movement and energy. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the water, which appears almost turbulent. This contributes to a sense of immediacy and vitality within the scene. The horses themselves are rendered with a degree of realism, though their forms are somewhat simplified, prioritizing gesture over meticulous detail.
The color palette reinforces the mood; the monochromatic scheme lends an air of drama and perhaps even melancholy. The stark contrast between the white horse on the left and the dark horse on the right creates a visual tension that draws the eye across the composition. This juxtaposition could be interpreted as representing opposing forces, or simply highlighting the individual character of each animal.
The background is indistinct, dissolving into a murky darkness which serves to isolate the horses and intensify their presence within the frame. The lack of clear spatial context contributes to an almost dreamlike quality, suggesting that this might not be a literal depiction but rather an exploration of feeling or emotion.
Subtly, the work evokes themes of power, freedom, and perhaps even struggle. Horses have long been symbolic of these concepts, and their portrayal in such active motion reinforces those associations. The water itself can be read as representing challenges or obstacles that must be overcome. Ultimately, the painting leaves room for individual interpretation, inviting viewers to project their own meanings onto the scene.