Artwork
Jagdstillleben
Jagdstillleben is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Franz Werner Tamm. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Franz Werner Tamm’s 1705 work, titled *Jagdstillleben*, presents a meticulously rendered tableau of game animals laid out on a darkened surface. The composition centers on a hare positioned on its back, its limbs spread, surrounded by a fox and several birds. The stark contrast between the somber background and the finely detailed fauna creates a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The painting functions as a classic hunting still life, documenting the spoils of the chase rather than celebrating the act itself. By arranging the dead creatures in a calm, orderly fashion, Tamm invites reflection on the transience of life and the material wealth associated with aristocratic sport, while the stillness suggests a moment of pause after the hunt.
Technique & Style
Executed with oil on canvas, the work showcases Tamm’s skill in rendering texture: the softness of the hare’s fur, the sleek sheen of the fox’s coat, and the delicate plumage of the birds are rendered with precise brushwork. The subdued palette and chiaroscuro lighting enhance the three‑dimensionality of the forms, while the dark ground unifies the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in the early eighteenth century, *Jagdstillleben* entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display. The painting reflects the German Baroque tradition of still‑life painting, a genre that flourished among court patrons who prized realistic depictions of hunting trophies as symbols of status.
Artist & collection
