Hondecoeter, Melchior d – Een pelikaan en ander gevogelte bij een waterbassin, bekend als ’Het drijvend veertje, 1680 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a gathering of waterfowl and other birds around a shallow pool or basin. A large pelican dominates the foreground, its beak agape as if in mid-feed, drawing immediate attention. The artist has positioned it centrally, creating a focal point that establishes a sense of scale and presence within the scene. Surrounding this central figure is a diverse array of species: ducks, geese, a flamingo, a peacock, and what appears to be an exotic black bird with prominent crest feathers.
The arrangement isnt haphazard; there’s a deliberate layering effect. The pelican and several other birds are brought forward, while others recede into the background, creating depth within the limited pictorial space. This is further enhanced by the treatment of light – it seems to emanate from an unseen source above and to the left, illuminating the foreground figures and casting shadows that define their forms.
The backdrop consists of a dense thicket of trees and foliage, punctuated by glimpses of a cloudy sky. The dark greens and browns of the vegetation contrast sharply with the vibrant colors of the birds, further emphasizing them as the primary subjects. A few birds are depicted in flight within this background, adding a sense of dynamism to the otherwise static grouping.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of avian life, the painting suggests subtle symbolic undertones. The pelican, historically associated with piety and self-sacrifice due to its practice of feeding its young with regurgitated food, might carry such connotations here. The presence of exotic birds like the flamingo and peacock hints at wealth, status, or a fascination with foreign lands – common themes in 17th-century Dutch art. The overall impression is one of controlled naturalism; the artist has meticulously rendered each bird’s plumage and features, demonstrating technical skill while simultaneously imbuing the scene with an air of quiet contemplation. The water itself, reflecting light and color, contributes to a sense of tranquility and abundance.