“Horsebath” is a symbolic painting by the artist Odd Nerdrum, associated with the Neo-Baroque art movement. The artwork exemplifies the style typical of Neo-Baroque through its dramatic composition and symbolic themes rendered in a classical manner.
The artwork depicts a serene, almost mystical scene, at dusk or dawn, characterized by a limited palette of soft, earthy tones. Central to the painting, a figure is seated on a rocky formation beside a tranquil body of water. The seated individual, draped in fabric and holding an object that evokes ancient times, gazes contemplatively towards the viewer’s right. Sharing the scene is a white horse, partially immersed in the water, its posture suggesting a state of repose or gentle interaction with the environment. In the background, a rugged, dusky landscape creates a dramatic and enigmatic atmosphere, adding to the painting’s symbolic depth. The composition as a whole evokes a sense of timelessness and introspection, staying true to the symbolic nature of the work.
