f cb01 Riccardo-Bellettati Pony02 Riccardo Bellettati

The composition presents a submerged grotto or cavern, rendered in a style that blends naturalistic observation with elements of fantasy and heightened color. The artist has chosen a predominantly warm palette – ochres, yellows, oranges, and reds – to depict the rock formations and sandy floor of the underwater environment. These tones are punctuated by cooler greens and blues within the foliage and water itself, creating visual contrast and depth.
Here we see several seahorses as central figures. One is prominently positioned in the foreground, its elongated snout directed towards the viewer. Another smaller seahorse clings to a rock formation on the right side of the frame. A third, more distant figure appears partially obscured by the cavern’s opening. The inclusion of these creatures suggests an exploration of marine life and perhaps a commentary on vulnerability or adaptation within a specific ecosystem.
The vegetation is stylized rather than strictly realistic; the broad leaves of the aquatic plants are simplified in form and rendered with bold outlines. This contributes to the overall sense of a dreamlike, almost theatrical setting. The cavern’s opening itself is a dramatic focal point, framed by swirling patterns of light and shadow that evoke a sense of mystery and hidden depths.
The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes texture – the rough surfaces of the rocks are suggested through layered brushstrokes, while the water appears to shimmer with an ethereal quality. The use of selective focus draws attention to the seahorses, blurring the background slightly to enhance their prominence.
Subtly, the painting might be interpreted as a meditation on isolation and resilience. The enclosed space of the cavern could symbolize a sense of confinement or introspection, while the seahorses – often associated with grace and fragility – represent an ability to thrive even in challenging circumstances. The overall effect is one of quiet beauty tinged with a hint of melancholy.