Genevieve Jost – Bestiaire, De Genevieve Jost

The composition presents a grid-like arrangement of twelve distinct panels, each containing a single animal rendered in a stylized and somewhat flattened manner. The background for each panel is a uniform color – varying shades of purple and lilac – and features a dense, dark green foliage that frames the animals within a theatrical setting. A decorative border, consisting of alternating black and white diamond shapes, runs along the top and bottom edges of the work, further emphasizing the compartmentalized nature of the presentation.
The selection of animals is diverse, ranging from domesticated creatures like horses, sheep, and chickens to wild species such as elephants, foxes, leopards, and zebras. A monkey occupies one panel, while a swan and an antelope are also included. The artist’s approach to depicting these animals prioritizes form over realism; the figures possess a simplified quality with limited detail in their fur or feathers. Their poses appear somewhat static, almost posed for observation rather than engaged in natural behavior.
The deliberate arrangement of the animals within this structured grid suggests an underlying order and categorization. The visual similarity between some pairings – the horse and antelope, the fox and leopard – hints at a system of classification based on shared characteristics or symbolic associations. This echoes the traditional concept of a bestiary, a medieval collection of animal descriptions often imbued with moral or allegorical meanings.
The use of vibrant colors and the stylized rendering contribute to an overall sense of fantasy and artifice. The uniformity of the backgrounds creates a dreamlike atmosphere, distancing the viewer from any specific natural environment. This artificiality invites contemplation on the symbolic roles animals play in human culture and imagination – not as representations of reality but as vehicles for conveying ideas or emotions.
The checkerboard pattern within one panel introduces an element of visual disruption and complexity, potentially symbolizing duality or a shift in perspective. The overall effect is that of a carefully constructed tableau, inviting viewers to consider the relationships between these disparate creatures and their potential significance beyond mere representation.