Visual Description and Theme
Figurative Cubism and Expressionism
The artwork is executed in a bold style that aggressively fragments the figures and background into broad, geometric planes of color, reminiscent of Figurative Cubism blended with Expressionist intensity. The artist uses oil on canvas with heavy texture and visible, thick brushstrokes to give the painting a chaotic, energetic surface.
High-Contrast Composition
The composition features two major figures standing side-by-side, creating a dynamic visual block:
The Figure: A tall, central figure, likely a traveler or warrior, dominates the center in dramatic traditional Mongolian robes rendered in clashing blocks of fiery red and bright yellow. The figure wears a ceremonial hat, and the face is stylized with pale white and dark lines, giving it a severe, mask-like, and introspective appearance.
The Horse: Standing next to the figure, the horse is geometrically abstracted into cool, deep blocks of blue and purple. This color choice creates a strong contrast with the red-robed figure, emphasizing the symbiotic, yet separate, relationship between man and horse.
The Background: The setting is an abstract environment fractured into planes of turbulent lime green, olive green, and dark red. This chaotic backdrop intensifies the psychological charge of the “rest,” suggesting it is a fleeting, tense moment in a harsh world.
Theme
“TAKING A REST” is more than a literal depiction; it is a powerful symbolic statement about respite, connection, and endurance on the steppe. It emphasizes the warrior/traveler’s deep reliance on the horse and the enduring presence of traditional culture, filtered through a modern, highly charged abstract aesthetic.