Artwork
Still Life with Game Fowl
Still Life with Game Fowl is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Herman van Vollenhoven. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1615, this oil painting by Dutch artist Herman van Vollenhoven presents a quiet tableau of avian remains arranged on a tabletop. The work belongs to the still‑life genre, focusing on inanimate objects rendered with careful observation. It is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it is displayed among other early‑17th‑century Dutch pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a group of dead birds, the most prominent being a large black bird with its wings splayed, accompanied by smaller brown‑ and white‑feathered specimens. Their overlapping placement suggests a study of mortality and the transient nature of life, a common theme in Dutch still‑life painting that invites contemplation of the fleeting material world.
Technique & Style
Van Vollenhoven employs a realistic approach, rendering each feather, beak and claw with fine detail. Subtle chiaroscuro creates a sense of volume, while delicate shading on the dark background gives the birds a three‑dimensional presence. The texture of plumage is achieved through layered brushwork, emphasizing the tactile qualities of the subjects.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Museo del Prado’s holdings after being acquired from a private collection in the early 20th century. Its attribution to Herman van Vollenhoven has been confirmed through stylistic comparison with other dated works by the artist, situating it within his early period of still‑life production.
Artist & collection
