The Rescue
Some stories stay with us. This one does – but with a different ending.
The Rescue is a large, emotionally charged oil painting created for SOPA’s Masterpiece Contest.
It is inspired by Goethe’s famous poem Erlkönig, where a child dies in his father's arms, taken by the mysterious Elf King.
But in my version, the child is saved.
A white horse – wild, determined, otherworldly – bursts through the dark, carrying the sleeping child away.
According to old Nordic folklore, fairies tie knots in a horse’s mane to guide children's souls safely to the next world.
But perhaps this horse is simply bringing the child home.
We don’t know.
What we do know is that the child is safe – and the darkness is lifting.
The color palette blends deep purples and blues with soft rose tones and subtle hints of gold dust.
Light and shadow merge to create a quiet, dreamlike atmosphere.
A place where grief can soften.
A place where something heavy is carried for you.
Why this painting belongs in your home
The Rescue is more than a painting. It’s a moment of stillness.
A visual anchor for the soul.
It was created to remind you that transformation is possible – even in sorrow.
That rescue exists, even when you don’t know how to reach for it.
That somewhere deep inside, you already know how to ride through the darkness.
This painting belongs in a space where stillness and depth are welcome.
It speaks to the sensitive soul – the one who has loved, lost, and still believes in hope.
To those who are drawn to horses, symbolism, and stories that whisper instead of shout.
The Rescue
* Oil on canvas
* 120 x 100 cm (47 x 39 in)
* Painted edges – ready to hang
* Original artwork
* Comes with a buyers certificate
If you’d like to see The Rescue in person, feel free to contact me for a private viewing in Denmark.
Shipping will be arranged individually.
