Wild und Geflügel

Ruthart renders the scene with meticulous attention to the texture of feathers and bark, employing chiaroscuro to model forms and create spatial depth. The vigorous brushwork and rich coloration reflect the influence of Peter Paul Rubens, while the naturalistic detail aligns with the artist’s reputation for precise observation.

Born in Germany, Ruthart adopted the Italianized name Carlo Borromeo Rutardo during his years abroad. Later in life he entered the Franciscan order, taking the name Frà Andrea. The painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings as part of its Baroque acquisitions, though the exact path of ownership before that remains undocumented.

During the mid‑17th century, still‑life depictions of hunted game were popular among European collectors, symbolizing abundance and the transience of life. Ruthart’s work fits within this tradition, yet his emphasis on movement and dramatic interaction sets it apart from more static contemporaneous examples.