Still Life with Birds (school) Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610)

In this still life painting, a vast array of dead birds are meticulously depicted. They are presented in two main groups: one group is hung from a rod at the top of the composition, while another group is laid out on a surface below, some resting on rocks. Various bird species are identifiable, including ducks, owls, pheasants, and smaller songbirds. The detail in the rendering of their feathers, colors, and postures is remarkable. An owl perched upright among the hung birds provides a striking contrast to the lifelessness of the others. In the lower right, a barn owl lies prominently, its large eyes closed. A basket filled with more birds, possibly eggs or nestlings, sits in the middle ground, adding to the abundance of the catch. The background is dark and ambiguous, focusing all attention on the subject matter.
The subtext of this vanitas still life is the transience of life and earthly possessions. The dead birds, once symbols of freedom and vitality, are now reduced to objects of display, emphasizing mortality. The sheer quantity of game birds could symbolize wealth and status, but in the context of death, it highlights the futility of material accumulations. The presence of owls, traditionally associated with wisdom but also with night and death, adds a layer of symbolism. The painting may serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence and an exhortation to consider matters of greater spiritual significance. The detailed rendering can also be seen as a testament to the artists skill in capturing the natural world, even in its deceased state.