Sun, Pauvel de – Still Life with a broken game and lobster Hermitage ~ part 03

The composition presents a lavish still life arranged on a draped table. A palpable sense of abundance is immediately conveyed through the sheer volume and variety of foodstuffs displayed. Dominating the scene are several game birds – a pheasant prominently positioned at the left edge, its plumage rendered with meticulous detail, alongside what appears to be a hare or rabbit. These animals appear recently hunted, their forms still retaining an air of vitality despite their demise.
A significant portion of the table is occupied by an array of fish and seafood. A large lobster sits in a shallow dish towards the right side, its vibrant red hue contrasting with the muted tones of the surrounding elements. Numerous smaller fish are arranged alongside it, some appearing to be freshly caught while others seem prepared for consumption. The inclusion of these perishable items suggests a moment frozen in time – a snapshot of a feast about to begin or perhaps already concluded.
Adding further layers of complexity, two domestic animals are incorporated into the scene: a dog and a cat. The dog, positioned on the left, gazes intently at a scattering of small game pieces near its paws, hinting at an instinctual interest in the bounty before it. The cat, situated closer to the center, appears less concerned with the food itself, instead exhibiting a languid posture that suggests contentment and privilege.
The tables surface is covered with a white linen cloth, partially obscuring the underlying red fabric. This layering of textures contributes to the overall richness of the composition. A cluster of walnuts sits near the bottom edge, their dark brown shells providing a visual anchor for the arrangement. In the upper right corner, glimpses of citrus fruits and other produce are visible, further emphasizing the theme of abundance.
Beyond the literal depiction of food and animals, the painting seems to explore themes of mortality and transience. The presence of dead game and seafood serves as a memento mori – a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and pleasure. The inclusion of the domestic animals introduces an element of human interaction with the natural world, suggesting both mastery over it (through hunting) and dependence upon it for sustenance. The overall effect is one of opulent display tempered by an underlying awareness of decay and impermanence.