Artwork
Still life with turkey
Still life with turkey is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Melchior d' Hondecoeter. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Created in 1675, this oil painting presents a solitary turkey arranged on a table.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1675, this oil painting presents a solitary turkey arranged on a table. The bird is depicted with its wings outstretched and its head lowered, occupying the central space of the composition. A muted, dark backdrop isolates the subject, allowing the detailed rendering of the turkey’s plumage to dominate the viewer’s attention.
Subject & Meaning
The work belongs to the still‑life tradition, focusing on a single game bird as a symbol of abundance and the domestic sphere. By isolating the turkey without overt narrative elements, the artist emphasizes the material qualities of the animal, inviting contemplation of texture, form, and the fleeting nature of a hunted creature.
Technique & Style
Executed with meticulous brushwork, the painting showcases a realistic approach characteristic of Dutch Golden Age naturalism. Layers of thin glazes create subtle variations in the turkey’s brown and white feathers, while careful modeling gives the flesh a tactile presence. The dark, almost tenebristic background heightens contrast, reinforcing the three‑dimensional illusion.
History & Provenance
The canvas was produced by Melchior d’Hondecoeter, a Utrecht‑born specialist in avian subjects who worked in Amsterdam until his death in 1695. After changing hands among private collectors, the painting entered the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it remains part of the museum’s Dutch Golden Age holdings.
Context
During the late 17th century, Dutch artists frequently explored still‑life themes that combined scientific observation with decorative appeal. d’Hondecoeter, better known for dynamic bird‑filled landscapes, applied his expertise in feather rendering to a more intimate tableau, reflecting contemporary interest in detailed natural study and the market for luxurious food imagery.
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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,…
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