DEPORT FRANCOIS – Still life with a dog and dead game near a rose bush Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a hunting scene and abundant floral display. A spotted dog occupies the left foreground, its posture suggesting alertness and recent activity; it appears to have momentarily paused from pursuit or investigation. The animals gaze is directed towards the center of the image, where several dead game birds – pheasants and what seems to be a hare – lie scattered on the ground. These animals are arranged with a degree of naturalism that emphasizes their weight and texture.
A dense rose bush dominates the right side of the canvas. The roses themselves exhibit a range of pink hues, from pale blush to deeper crimson, creating visual richness and complexity within the foliage. The profusion of blooms and leaves obscures much of the background, contributing to a sense of enclosure and intimacy. A glimpse of what appears to be a stone wall or architectural element is visible through the rose bush, hinting at a cultivated garden setting.
The lighting in this painting is carefully orchestrated. It highlights the textures of the dog’s fur, the feathers of the birds, and the petals of the roses, while simultaneously casting areas into shadow, which deepens the sense of depth and volume. The contrast between the vibrant life represented by the flowers and the stillness of the dead game introduces a subtle tension within the scene.
Beyond the literal depiction of a hunting party’s spoils and their canine companion, the painting seems to explore themes of abundance, mortality, and the relationship between nature and human activity. The roses, traditionally symbols of love and beauty, are juxtaposed with the stark reality of death, suggesting a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and pleasure. The dogs presence adds an element of domesticity and companionship to what might otherwise be a purely symbolic arrangement. It is possible that the artist intended to convey a commentary on the cyclical nature of existence – the hunt, the kill, the beauty of the natural world, all intertwined in a delicate balance.