Artwork

Dead Birds

Dead Birds, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1808
Dead Birds, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1808

Dead Birds is an oil painting by Francisco Goya. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Dead Birds is an oil painting created by Francisco Goya in 1808. It is a still life that showcases the artist's ability to convey a sense of mortality through a simple arrangement of objects.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a pile of dead chickens in various colors and orientations, with detailed feathers rendered in shades of white, brown, and black. The somber and melancholic atmosphere evokes a sense of decay and mortality.

Technique & Style

Goya's use of oil paint allows for a detailed representation of the chickens' feathers, while the dark background creates a striking contrast with the light-colored birds. The work reflects Goya's position at the intersection of traditional and modern artistic movements.

History & Provenance

Dead Birds is held in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, a testament to its significance within Goya's oeuvre and the broader context of Spanish art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco Goya

Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.