Berge Christophel van den (Middelburg c.1590 – c.1642) – Still life with a dead bird (72x100 cm) 1624 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a collection of game birds laid out on a wooden tabletop. The surface itself is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the grain and texture of the wood, which contributes to a sense of tangible realism. A variety of fowl are present: several pheasants dominate the foreground, their plumage meticulously depicted in shades of brown, gold, and black. Smaller birds, including what appears to be a duck or teal, are interspersed among them, adding visual complexity. They rest within a silver serving dish, which reflects light and further enhances the illusion of depth.

Behind this central grouping, the artist placed several objects that establish a domestic setting. A pewter tankard sits on a smaller wooden ledge, alongside a red glass goblet. A bowl overflowing with ripe strawberries occupies a higher plane, while a ceramic pitcher stands to the right. Further back, a still life arrangement of fruit in a blue and white bowl adds another layer of visual interest. The dark background serves to isolate these objects, emphasizing their form and color.

The subtexts within this work are layered and suggestive. The presence of game birds immediately evokes themes of abundance, hunting prowess, and the bounty of nature. However, the fact that they are depicted as lifeless specimens introduces a note of melancholy and transience. Their stillness contrasts sharply with the implied vitality of the hunt itself. This juxtaposition can be interpreted as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures.

The inclusion of domestic objects – the tankard, goblet, strawberries, fruit bowl – suggests a scene of post-hunt feasting or display. They represent not only material wealth but also the social rituals surrounding food and consumption in the period. The single pink flower placed near the front edge introduces an element of beauty and fragility, perhaps symbolizing the ephemeral nature of life itself.

The artist’s technical skill is evident in the precise rendering of textures – the soft feathers of the birds, the smooth surface of the silver dish, the rough grain of the wood. The careful use of light and shadow creates a sense of volume and realism, drawing the viewer into this carefully constructed scene. Overall, the work transcends a simple depiction of game; it offers a meditation on life, death, abundance, and the passage of time within a domestic context.