Unknown artist – Decoratiestuk met gevogelte, 1700-1799 Rijksmuseum: part 2

The composition presents a small tableau of fowl within a landscape setting. A large turkey dominates the left side of the scene, its plumage rendered in muted browns and grays, with a hint of red around the wattle. It appears alert, perhaps startled, facing away from the viewer but angled towards the central action. Two smaller chickens huddle near it, their forms less distinct than that of the larger bird.
The focal point resides on a small, tiered structure in the center. A vibrant rooster perches atop this platform, its plumage exhibiting a striking combination of black, gold, and red. The rooster’s posture is assertive; he stands erect, his comb prominent, suggesting dominance or vigilance. Below him, partially obscured by the base of the structure, are several more chickens, their presence contributing to a sense of abundance and domesticity.
The background is loosely rendered in shades of green, hinting at foliage and an indistinct horizon line. The treatment of the landscape lacks detail, serving primarily as a backdrop that emphasizes the birds themselves. A subtle verticality is established by the tiered structure and the posture of the rooster, contrasting with the more horizontal orientation of the turkey and chickens on the left.
The painting’s subdued palette and somewhat rough application of paint suggest an informal or decorative purpose rather than a formal portraiture. The arrangement of the birds – the large turkey alongside the smaller chickens and the prominent rooster – might allude to themes of hierarchy, prosperity, or the natural order within a domestic setting. The roosters elevated position could symbolize leadership or authority, while the presence of multiple fowl might represent fertility or abundance. The overall impression is one of quiet observation of rural life, presented with a degree of simplicity and charm.