Aelst, Willem van – Still Life with Dead Game National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a meticulously arranged assemblage of dead game birds and a hare, suspended against a dark, undefined background. The artist has chosen a close-up perspective, filling nearly the entire frame with the subject matter. A large rooster dominates the central space, its body hanging downwards, revealing details of its plumage and a visible wound near its neck. To its left lies a hare, positioned on a blue ribbon draped over a ledge. Above these animals, a cluster of smaller birds – a duck, a pheasant, and what appears to be a partridge – are suspended from hooks, their vibrant colors contrasting with the muted tones of the other elements.
The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the textures of the feathers and fur while casting deep shadows that contribute to a sense of somberness. The artist’s attention to detail is striking; each feather, each strand of fur, is rendered with remarkable precision, creating an almost hyperrealistic effect. A pair of shears lies on the ledge beneath the hare, suggesting the recent act of slaughter and adding another layer to the narrative.
Beyond a simple depiction of hunted animals, the arrangement carries symbolic weight. The presence of dead game often alluded to themes of abundance, wealth, and the transience of life in historical contexts. The careful presentation suggests not merely sustenance but also display – a demonstration of skill in hunting and an assertion of status. The inclusion of the shears introduces a note of violence and mortality, reminding the viewer of the process that brought these creatures into existence as objects of consumption or display.
The dark background serves to isolate the subject matter, intensifying its impact and drawing attention to the fragility and impermanence inherent in all living things. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on themes of life, death, and human interaction with the natural world.