Flegel, Georg (German, 1566-1638) 2 German artists

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a large, shallow bowl overflowing with citrus fruits – likely quinces or medlars – and scattered nuts. A vibrant green parrot perches on the rim of this vessel, its head angled towards the viewer, adding an element of animation to the otherwise static scene. To the left, a small mouse is positioned near a cluster of walnuts and pears, while a bunch of green grapes sits in the lower right corner. Several scattered shells and a single, delicate white flower are strewn across the table surface, contributing to the overall sense of abundance and disarray. Two beetles are visible – one on the bowl’s edge and another near the grapes – further emphasizing the theme of transience.
The artists meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures: the smooth sheen of the glass goblet, the velvety surface of the parrot’s plumage, the rough texture of the nuts, and the delicate petals of the flower. The lighting appears to originate from a single source, casting shadows that define form and create depth within the arrangement.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the painting carries significant symbolic weight characteristic of Northern European still life traditions. The presence of the mouse and parrot introduces themes of temptation and disruption – the mouse representing greed or decay, while the parrot might symbolize vanity or foreign influence. The scattered shells suggest a connection to travel or distant lands, hinting at the global trade networks that were expanding during this period. The fruit itself, often associated with abundance and prosperity, is juxtaposed with elements suggesting their inevitable decline – the beetles and the mouse allude to mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures.
The overall effect is one of controlled chaos – a carefully orchestrated display of natural objects imbued with layers of meaning that invite contemplation on themes of wealth, decay, and the passage of time.