The artwork, titled “Holy Mountain II,” was created by Horace Pippin in 1944. This piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is categorized as a religious painting.
The artwork depicts a serene and mystical scene set in a dense forest at night. Various animals, including a lion, a cow, a camel, a leopard, and a child lying on a cow’s back, populate the foreground, their forms imbued with a sense of innocence and tranquility. Above them, amongst the dark, towering trees, birds perch on branches, adding a touch of life and color to the scene. The forest floor is dotted with small, radiant flowers, contributing to the enchanting ambiance. In the midst of this peaceful gathering, a shepherd, distinguishable by a staff, appears in quiet repose alongside the animals, underscoring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature within this religiously significant portrayal. The intricate details and whimsical elements of the composition reflect the unique characteristics of the Naïve Art movement.