Jan Fyt – A Still Life with Fruit, Dead Game and a Parrot Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a lavish arrangement of natural objects against a dark, receding background. A hare, suspended by its hind legs, dominates the left side of the scene, positioned atop a deep crimson cloth that serves as the primary surface for the display. The animal’s fur is rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting its texture and form. To the right of the hare, a woven basket overflows with an abundance of fruit – peaches, grapes, plums, and apples – creating a sense of opulent bounty. A bowl filled with bright red strawberries sits nestled within this profusion.
Below the basket, several game birds are arranged on a crisp white cloth, their plumage carefully depicted to showcase individual feather patterns and colors. The arrangement is not haphazard; each element appears deliberately placed to create visual balance and depth. Perched atop the fruit-laden basket, a parrot observes the scene with an alert gaze. Its dark feathers contrast sharply with the vibrant hues of the surrounding produce.
The lighting in this painting is dramatic, emphasizing the textures and surfaces of the objects through strong contrasts between light and shadow. The artist employed chiaroscuro to create a sense of volume and realism, drawing attention to the tactile qualities of the fur, fruit skin, and feathers.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The presence of both game animals and fruit suggests themes of abundance, luxury, and perhaps even transience. The juxtaposition of life (the parrot) with death (the hare and birds) introduces a memento mori element – a reminder of mortality amidst material pleasures. The careful rendering of the objects implies an appreciation for their beauty and value, potentially reflecting the status and tastes of the patron or the artist’s own fascination with natural forms. The overall effect is one of controlled display, suggesting a deliberate presentation intended to convey wealth, refinement, and a keen eye for detail.