Vos, Paul de – Despensa Part 6 Prado Museum

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a lavish display of food and fauna on a draped table. A substantial hare occupies a central position, its form dominating the foreground with a palpable sense of weight and stillness. Surrounding it are several game birds – pheasants and partridges – arranged both directly upon the tablecloth and scattered across its surface, suggesting abundance and potential consumption.
A wicker basket overflows with an assortment of fruits: grapes in varying shades of purple and green, interspersed with oranges and what appear to be peaches or apricots. These fruits are positioned behind the hare, creating a layered effect that adds depth to the scene. Two parrots perch on the edge of the basket, their presence introducing a touch of exoticism and perhaps a subtle commentary on wealth and display.
To the left, a partially visible decorative object – possibly a tapestry or upholstered chair – adds another textural element. A window is discernible in the background, providing a muted source of light that illuminates the scene without creating harsh shadows. The light seems to originate from an unseen exterior, contributing to the overall sense of enclosure and intimacy within the depicted space.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, greens – with accents of purple and orange provided by the fruit and parrots. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures: the fur of the hare, the feathers of the birds, the sheen of the fruits, and the folds of the tablecloth.
Subtly, the arrangement conveys a sense of opulence and indulgence. The sheer quantity of food suggests prosperity and leisure. However, the presence of dead animals introduces an element of mortality and transience. The juxtaposition of vibrant life (the parrots) with lifelessness (the hare and birds) hints at the cyclical nature of existence and the inevitable decay that underlies even the most lavish displays. Theres a quiet tension between abundance and loss, suggesting a contemplation on the fleeting pleasures of earthly possessions.