Artwork
Poultry
Poultry is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Melchior d' Hondecoeter. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Poultry is a 17th-century oil painting by Melchior d'Hondecoeter, a Dutch artist known for his depictions of birds.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a diverse group of birds, including ducks, chickens, and a rooster, in a park-like setting with trees and a stone wall. The birds are captured in various poses, conveying a sense of energy and movement.
Technique & Style
D'Hondecoeter's use of color and texture brings the scene to life, with soft whites and grays contrasting with vibrant greens and blues. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the varied textures of the birds' feathers, from smooth to rough.
History & Provenance
Created around 1675 during the Dutch Golden Age, Poultry is now part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection. It exemplifies d'Hondecoeter's specialization in ornithological subjects and his ability to combine exotic and game species in a single composition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Melchior d'Hondecoeter (Dutch pronunciation: ; c. 1636 – 3 April 1695), Dutch animalier painter, was born in Utrecht and died in Amsterdam. After the start of his career, he painted virtually exclusively bird subjects,…
