Anónimo (Estilo de Recco, Giuseppe) – Bodegón de flores, aves y vaso de cristal Part 1 Prado museum

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by a sense of transience and decay. A central focus is given to several fowl – a large bird, seemingly a turkey or similar species, lies propped against a glass vessel, alongside smaller birds scattered across the surface. The rendering emphasizes their textures: the iridescent sheen of feathers, the tautness of skin, and the details of anatomical structure are all meticulously observed.
Above the avian subjects, a cluster of blooms emerges from a dark vase. These flowers, rendered in vibrant reds and pinks, offer a stark contrast to the muted tones of the birds and the somber background. Their presence introduces an element of beauty and vitality, yet their placement above the dead fowl creates a poignant juxtaposition – a fleeting moment of life set against inevitable mortality.
The glass vessel itself is notable for its reflective surface, which catches and distorts the light, adding depth to the scene. It also serves as a compositional anchor, drawing the eye upward and creating a visual link between the flowers and the birds below.
The background is almost entirely black, pushing the objects forward and intensifying their impact. This darkness contributes to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider themes of impermanence, abundance, and the cyclical nature of existence. The artist’s choice to depict these elements in such detail suggests a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of decline, while simultaneously celebrating the beauty that can be found even within decay.

The inclusion of what appears to be a small number marking (64) at the upper left corner hints at a possible inventory or cataloging system, suggesting this work may have been part of a larger collection.