Borssom, Anthonie van – Dieren en planten, 1650-1677 Rijksmuseum: part 2

The composition presents a densely packed arrangement of flora and fauna within a shadowed environment. A pervasive darkness dominates the background, allowing for selective illumination of individual elements. The artist has chosen to highlight a variety of species, creating a microcosm of natural life.
In the foreground, a badger is positioned near what appears to be an egg, its gaze directed downwards with an air of cautious observation. Adjacent to it, a turtle emerges from amongst moss and foliage, its shell partially obscured by vegetation. A snake slithers across the lower right corner, adding a sense of potential threat or hidden movement within the scene.
Above these terrestrial creatures, several avian species are depicted. A woodpecker clings to a branch high in the composition, while other birds flit through the air. The inclusion of butterflies – one with vibrant orange markings and another predominantly white – introduces an element of lightness and delicate beauty that contrasts with the darker tones of the surrounding environment.
A single flower, rendered in soft pink hues, floats near the upper left corner, seemingly detached from any supporting stem or root system. This detail contributes to a sense of surrealism, suggesting a deliberate arrangement rather than a strictly naturalistic depiction.
The overall effect is one of controlled observation and meticulous detail. The artist’s focus lies not on portraying a specific landscape but on cataloging individual organisms within a confined space. The subdued lighting and the juxtaposition of predator and prey – the badger and the egg, the snake and the turtle – imply an underlying tension or fragility inherent in the natural world. The deliberate placement of elements suggests a symbolic intent, though the precise meaning remains open to interpretation. It could be argued that the work explores themes of vulnerability, survival, and the interconnectedness of life within a limited ecosystem.