Schimmel und Fuchs auf der Weide (c1825)

The painting "Schimmel und Fuchs auf der Weide" (White and Chestnut Horse in Pasture), crafted around 1825 by the distinguished Austrian painter Friedrich August Matthias Gauermann, captures a serene and pastoral moment that invites viewers into a landscape of tranquility and natural beauty.In this idyllic scene, Gauermann presents two horses in a pasture as the focal elements of the composition. To the right, a chestnut horse gracefully bends its head towards the ground, sipping or sniffing at the grass, while a white horse, perhaps resting or perhaps old and tired, is seated on the ground to the left. Their relaxed postures suggest a moment of peace away from any human presence.The setting is lush and detailed, showcasing Gauermann's skill in painting nature. The background features a muted palette of blues and greys, possibly indicating an impending storm or the residue of one that has recently passed, which adds a dynamic contrast to the otherwise calm and pastoral foreground.A variety of shrubs and trees, with differing textures and shades of green, add depth and richness to the scene. Notably, an old, gnarled tree on the left adds a touch of wildness and age to the painting, suggesting the enduring nature of the landscape around the gentle domesticity of the horses. Far in the distance, a hint of a village with a small church steeple suggests the proximity of human habitation, yet it feels worlds away from the quiet solitude of the pasture."Sсhimmel und Fuchs auf der Weide" is a testament to Friedrich August Matthias Gauermann's ability to blend animal figures with a natural setting, capturing both in exquisite detail and evoking a sense of timelessness and quiet contemplation.