Artwork
Slaughtered Pig in a Moonlit Landscape
Slaughtered Pig in a Moonlit Landscape is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Symonsz van der Schalcke. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.
About this work
Overview
Slaughtered Pig in a Moonlit Landscape is a 1644 painting by Cornelis Symonsz van der Schalcke, part of the Mauritshuis collection. It juxtaposes a slaughtered pig with a serene, moonlit rural landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The central subject, a slaughtered pig, is set against a peaceful backdrop of trees and water under moonlight, contrasting life's end with natural serenity. The juxtaposition may allude to the cycle of life and death.
Technique & Style
Van der Schalcke employed chiaroscuro to create depth, focusing attention on the pig through targeted moonlight illumination, which also adds a warm glow to the animal's fur.
History & Provenance
Created in 1644, the painting is now housed at the Mauritshuis, with its acquisition history not detailed here.
Context
The work reflects 17th-century Dutch landscape traditions, yet its focus on a slaughtered animal introduces a unique still-life element, blending genres.
Legacy
While not widely discussed in broad art historical narratives, the painting offers insight into van der Schalcke's style and the Dutch Golden Age's thematic explorations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Symonsz van der Schalcke
Cornelis Symonsz van der Schalcke (1617–1671) was an artist, born in Haarlem.
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