Brother St. Martin and the Three Trolls John Albert Bauer (1882-1918)

The composition presents a stark contrast between a solitary figure and a trio of beings within a densely wooded environment. The scene is dominated by a muted palette of browns, greens, and blacks, contributing to a sense of somberness and mystery. A tall, slender individual, clad in a long, flowing white garment, stands centrally positioned, facing the three other figures. Their posture suggests an offering or gesture of peace; their hands are extended outwards, palms open. The figure’s face is obscured by the hood of the robe, lending them an air of anonymity and perhaps representing a universal ideal rather than a specific person.
To the right, clustered around the base of a large tree trunk, reside three distinctly grotesque figures. They appear to be humanoid in form but possess exaggerated features – elongated noses, pointed ears, and unruly hair – that mark them as something other than human. Their expressions are complex; there is an element of surprise or apprehension visible on their faces, though it’s difficult to discern a clear emotional state. One figure holds what appears to be a small animal, possibly a rabbit, which they seem to be offering in return.
The forest itself serves as more than just a backdrop. The trees are rendered with an almost oppressive density, their trunks blurring into the darkness and creating a sense of enclosure. This reinforces the feeling that the encounter is taking place within a liminal space – a boundary between civilization and wilderness, or perhaps between the known and the unknown.
The ground is uneven and covered in vegetation, adding to the overall impression of untamed nature. The lighting is subdued, with pockets of illumination highlighting certain areas while leaving others shrouded in shadow. This selective use of light draws attention to the central figure and the trolls, emphasizing their interaction.
Subtly, the work explores themes of encounter and transformation. The offering made by the robed individual suggests a potential for reconciliation or understanding between disparate groups. The trolls’ initial apprehension gives way to what might be interpreted as acceptance or even gratitude, hinting at the possibility of bridging divides through generosity and empathy. The paintings power lies in its ambiguity; it does not offer easy answers but instead invites contemplation on the nature of difference, compassion, and the potential for connection across seemingly insurmountable boundaries.