Artwork
A Dead White Cock
A Dead White Cock is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Willem van Aelst. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
A Dead White Cock is a 1662 oil painting by Willem van Aelst, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for still lifes. The work is part of the Statens Museum for Kunst collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dead white rooster suspended from a hook, its feathers splayed and beak agape. A small table or ledge below holds indistinct objects. The dark background isolates the rooster, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing contrasts between light and dark, draws attention to the central image. Muted colors and a focused composition contribute to the stillness and serenity of the scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Willem van Aelst (16 May 1627 – buried 22 May 1683) was a Dutch Golden Age artist who specialized in still-life painting with flowers or game.
