“Torchlight Cave Drawing V” is a work by Elaine de Kooning, created in 1985. As part of the Abstract Expressionism movement, this piece falls under the genre of animal painting. It reflects the abstract and expressive qualities that define the movement within the context of depicting an animal.
The artwork visually resembles ancient cave drawings, featuring the outlined form of a bull-like animal. The lines used to create the figure are rough and sketchy, suggesting a sense of motion or primal energy. The surrounding area appears textured, and the monochromatic palette gives the impression of being created with a simple medium, possibly intended to mimic the charcoal or ochre used by prehistoric artists. While the image invokes the feel of prehistoric cave art, the actual piece carries the influence of Abstract Expressionism, bridging a gap between ancient art forms and modern abstract techniques.
