"Sanctuary"
16x20 Oil on Panel
SOLD

     As the saying goes: "curiosity killed the cat". This might not apply to this scene. Indeed the occupant of the tent is in serious danger of being killed
     It is before the First-World War, in British East Africa (now Kenya). White Hunters and their parties have taken to bringing along taxidermists and photographers. It was and still is, an essential part of a safari, to have photographs taken to record the hunt and the trophies.
     In this painting a photographer, has poured himself a glass of sherry, was recording in his journal the plates he has exposed this day. Now he has been forced to slip inside his tent for safety, as two male lions come into view. Their eyes illuminated by light from his lamp and tent. The two lions remain quizzically entranced by this strange apparition invading their domain. A kettle still simmers on the dying fire as the photographer peaks apprehensively from inside the tent. Perhaps unarmed, he will remain there until his visitors have left.