Flegel, Georg (German, 1566-1638) 4 German artists

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a wooden tray laden with various fruits and nuts. A parrot is positioned adjacent to the tray, its gaze directed towards the bounty displayed within. The palette favors warm tones – reds, yellows, and browns – which contribute to an overall sense of abundance and ripeness.
Here we see a vibrant apple dominating the left side of the scene, its surface rendered with meticulous attention to detail, capturing highlights and shadows that suggest its roundness and texture. A cluster of strawberries occupies the lower portion of the tray, their bright red hue contrasting sharply with the paler tones of the cherries and nuts scattered around them. The arrangement is not haphazard; theres a deliberate layering and overlapping of elements that creates depth and visual interest.
The parrot’s presence introduces an element of animation to what would otherwise be a static grouping. Its plumage, rendered in shades of green with a distinctive red head, draws the eye and suggests a connection between the natural world and the cultivated abundance represented by the fruits and nuts. The birds proximity to the food implies a potential interaction, hinting at themes of consumption and desire.
A small fly hovering near the apple adds another layer of complexity. Its inclusion is not merely decorative; it serves as a reminder of transience and decay – a subtle acknowledgement that even the most beautiful and abundant objects are subject to the processes of nature.
The background is deliberately understated, allowing the viewers attention to remain focused on the meticulously arranged still life. The lighting appears soft and diffused, contributing to the overall sense of tranquility and observation. The artist’s skill lies in his ability to elevate a commonplace scene – a tray of fruit and a bird – into a meditation on beauty, abundance, and the fleeting nature of existence.