Artwork
Still-life with a white cock
Still-life with a white cock is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Weenix. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1690, *Still-life with a White Cock* is an oil painting by Dutch artist Jan Weenix. Executed during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the work exemplifies the period’s interest in detailed naturalistic representation. It is currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, where it forms part of the museum’s collection of 17th‑century Dutch art.
Subject & Meaning
Though the surrounding objects are indistinct, the focus on the animal reflects the era’s fascination with the study of nature and the symbolism of game.
The composition centers on a white rooster, positioned on its side with the head drooping over the edge of a table. The bird’s plumage is rendered with meticulous attention, highlighting the contrast between the bright feathers and the surrounding darkness. Though the surrounding objects are indistinct, the focus on the animal reflects the era’s fascination with the study of nature and the symbolism of game.
Technique & Style
Weenix employs oil on canvas to achieve a rich, layered surface that captures the texture of the cock’s feathers and the sheen of its red comb. A deep, almost black background isolates the subject, intensifying the luminosity of the white plumage. The painting’s realism aligns with the Dutch still‑life tradition of precise detail and controlled lighting.
History & Provenance
Trained by his father and cousin, Jan Weenix built a reputation for hunting scenes and still‑lifes featuring dead game. This particular work, dated to the late 17th century, entered the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, joining a broader collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Weenix or Joannis Wenix (between 1641/1649 – 19 September 1719 (buried)) was a Dutch painter.
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