Jan Fijt (attributed to) – Still Life with Dead Birds, Cage and Net Mauritshuis

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around recently hunted fowl. Several birds, rendered with meticulous detail in their plumage and posture, are piled together on what appears to be a dark, earthen surface. Their coloration is muted – predominantly grey, brown, and white – suggesting a deliberate attempt to capture the natural tones of deceased game. The artist has paid close attention to the texture of feathers, conveying both softness and a sense of fragility in their arrangement.
To the right of the birds, a wooden cage stands upright, its structure clearly defined by the play of light and shadow. A net is draped over the side of the cage, further reinforcing the theme of capture and confinement. Behind this element, a cylindrical object – possibly a barrel or large spool – adds depth to the scene.
The background is deliberately obscured, rendered as a dark, indistinct space punctuated by glimpses of foliage and a pale sky visible through the branches of trees. This limited view serves to focus attention on the foreground elements and enhances the sense of enclosure within the composition. The lighting is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow that emphasize the three-dimensionality of the objects and contribute to an overall atmosphere of somber realism.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of a hunter’s bounty, the painting invites contemplation regarding mortality and transience. The presence of dead birds, typically symbols of freedom and vitality, evokes a sense of loss and the inevitable conclusion of life cycles. The cage and net introduce themes of captivity and control, suggesting human intervention in natural processes. The muted color palette and subdued lighting contribute to a melancholic mood, prompting reflection on the fragility of existence and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The arrangement itself – the deliberate piling of the birds – suggests not just abundance but also a certain disregard for their former life, hinting at a complex interplay of power and consumption.