The artwork “Map of What Is Effortless” was created by artist Francesco Clemente in 1978. This gouache on paper composition measures 60 x 57 inches (152.4 x 144.8 cm) and is currently held in a private collection. Representing the Transavantgarde art movement, the work is of a figurative genre.
The artwork exhibits a prominent hand, depicted palm-up and occupying the central portion of the composition. The use of orange and red hues articulates the palm lines, imbuing the hand with a sense of vitality and warmth. Perched upon the fingers of this outsized hand are five animals, each rendered with attention to their distinct physical characteristics. From left to right, one can observe a zebra, a tiger, an elephant, a lion, and a giraffe. These depictions appear to employ a stylized form that captures their essence, resonating with the Transavantgarde movement’s emphasis on a more personal, intuitive approach to art-making. The contrast between the colossal scale of the hand and the seemingly miniature size of the animals implies a narrative or symbolic dimension, inviting interpretations related to human-animal relationships, dominance, care, or the representation of the natural world within the confines of human understanding or control. The surrounding border further frames the central motifs, accentuating their curated placement on the expansive canvas of the hand.
