Fyt, Jan – Ánades y gallinas de agua Part 4 Prado Museum

The composition presents a lively grouping of waterfowl and a dog amidst dense reeds and foliage, set against a muted landscape backdrop. A central rooster stands erect, its beak open in what appears to be a call or cry, commanding immediate attention. Several ducks and chickens are scattered around him, some preening, others foraging amongst the vegetation. Their plumage displays a range of earthy tones – browns, greys, whites – rendered with meticulous detail that captures their texture and sheen.
The artist has skillfully employed light to create depth and volume within the scene. The rooster is illuminated from an unseen source, highlighting its form and drawing the eye forward. Shadows fall across the reeds and beneath the birds, contributing to a sense of naturalism and spatial recession. The background landscape, visible through gaps in the foliage, features a distant structure – possibly a building or tower – suggesting a human presence beyond the immediate environment.
The dog, positioned on the right side of the painting, is depicted mid-action, with its mouth open in a bark or snarl. Its posture conveys alertness and perhaps a predatory instinct, adding an element of dynamism to the otherwise tranquil scene. The reeds themselves are rendered with considerable care, their individual blades distinguishable and contributing to the overall sense of abundance and wildness.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of domestic fowl and canine companionship, the painting seems to explore themes of natural order and the interplay between domesticated animals and their environment. The rooster’s vocalization might symbolize awakening or vigilance, while the dogs presence introduces an element of potential disruption. The dense vegetation suggests both shelter and confinement, hinting at a complex relationship between the creatures and their surroundings. There is a sense of controlled chaos; the scene feels teeming with life but also contained within its frame.