Castillo, José del – Bodegón de caza: aves y liebre Part 5 Prado Museum

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around game animals and foliage, set against a backdrop of atmospheric sky and architectural elements. A hare lies prominently in the foreground, surrounded by several birds – likely fowl – arranged on a bed of leaves and grapes. The objects are positioned near the base of a large, gnarled tree trunk that dominates the right side of the canvas.
The artist has employed a muted palette, with earthy tones predominating. Browns, greens, and grays define the natural elements, while subtle highlights suggest the texture of feathers and fur. Light falls unevenly across the scene, creating areas of shadow and emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the objects. The sky, rendered in soft blues and whites, provides a contrasting backdrop to the darker foreground.
A classical architectural structure – a fragment of a balustrade or portico – is partially obscured by foliage on the left side. This element introduces an unexpected layer of sophistication and alludes to a cultivated setting, perhaps suggesting that the hunt is not merely a rustic activity but one associated with leisure and refinement. The inclusion of grapes further reinforces this association with abundance and luxury.
The arrangement itself conveys a sense of controlled bounty. The animals are presented as trophies, yet their stillness suggests a moment suspended in time – a brief pause before consumption or display. This juxtaposition hints at the transience of life and the cyclical nature of sustenance.
Subtly, there’s an interplay between naturalism and artifice. While the artist demonstrates considerable skill in rendering the textures and forms of the animals and plants, their arrangement feels deliberate, almost staged. The classical architecture adds a layer of constructed beauty to what would otherwise be a purely naturalistic scene. This suggests a commentary on humanitys relationship with nature – a desire both to understand and to control it.