Commiseration

Description

Limited Edition -250 only

The original painting truly represents the close bond of empathy and understanding between the Australian Light Horseman and his horse. This light horseman has been bitterly disappointed, for the mail has come and he has missed out again.

This was the experience of trooper Ion Idriess for this is what he wrote in his diary in 1916… “June 21st – Yesterday fifteen bags of mail (thousands of letters) came for the 5TH. And yet there was not one solitary letter, parcel, or even newspaper for me.” “September 19th – Why the hell don’t I get any letters or parcels? My mates are always getting them: I don’t get a lousy newspaper even.” Ion L Idriess, THE DESERT COLUMN, Angus & Robertson Publishers,Australian Classics Edition 1982 p.74, p. 155

Another Light Horseman, Major Harold B Suttor wrote in his diary in May 1918. “Thurs 9. One ton of mail arrives and not one letter for me – usual luck” Andrew Shepherdson JOURNEYS OF A LIGHT HORSEMAN 2002 p. 165 Feeling forlorn and forgotten this Light Horseman has ridden his mount aside from the rest of his section, and feeling rather sorry for himself has plopped down on the ground to indulge in a little wallow in self pity alone. His horse may not understand just why his rider is so unhappy at this moment, but horses are very sensitive and intelligent creatures, and he certainly can feel that his master is upset. He bends his head down over his masters shoulder, nuzzling him perhaps with a little nicker of horse sympathy, to let him know that he is by his side, feeling his sadness, and he is not alone. His Light Horseman responds by laying his head against that of his horse and giving him a hug and caress. Perhaps soft words are spoken, perhaps none are needed, but mutual sympathy is expressed and appreciated by both, and so each are comforted and reassured by the other.1