#37854 Emilio Tadini

The composition presents a peculiar juxtaposition of figures and objects within a starkly simplified setting. A large, dark animal – likely a rhinoceros – dominates the left side of the frame, its form rendered with bold outlines and minimal shading. It appears to be leaning towards a seated figure positioned centrally.
This central figure is dressed in elaborate attire: a red coat trimmed with white lace, a yellow waistcoat, and what seems to be a powdered wig. The individual’s posture suggests an air of formality or perhaps discomfort as they interact with the rhinoceros. To their left stands another person clad in workwear – a blue shirt and trousers, topped with a hat – who appears to be engaged with the animal as well.
Below these figures lies a table covered with a deep blue cloth. A single object rests on the tabletop: a pillow or cushion, marked by a prominent vertical line that could represent a seam or some other defining feature. A small, pointed object is placed near this line, its purpose unclear.
The background is uniformly pale, almost white, creating a sense of isolation and emphasizing the figures and objects in the foreground. A thin, vertical line extends from the upper center of the canvas, seemingly suspended from above – perhaps indicating a light source or an unseen architectural element.
Subtextually, the painting evokes a feeling of absurdity and unease. The incongruous pairing of a rhinoceros with formally dressed individuals suggests a disruption of social order or a commentary on power dynamics. The animal’s size and proximity to the seated figure could symbolize dominance or threat, while the workwear-clad individual might represent an intermediary or facilitator in this unusual encounter.
The isolated table setting and the enigmatic object upon it contribute to the overall sense of mystery and detachment. It is possible that the scene represents a symbolic narrative – a dreamlike scenario where conventional hierarchies are overturned and familiar objects take on new, unsettling meanings. The stark color palette and simplified forms further enhance this feeling of alienation and surrealism.