Follower of Rembrandt van Rijn – Old Woman Plucking a Fowl National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The painting presents a solitary figure, an elderly woman engaged in a mundane domestic task within a dimly lit interior. She is seated on what appears to be a rough-hewn wooden bench or stool, her posture suggesting weariness and resignation. Her hands are occupied with plucking feathers from a fowl held across her lap; the bird’s head, still bearing its comb, is prominently displayed near the lower edge of the composition.
The artist has employed a restricted palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted greens – which contribute to an atmosphere of austerity and melancholy. The light source seems to emanate from the left side of the frame, casting deep shadows that obscure portions of her face and clothing, emphasizing the contours of age and hardship etched into her features. A red hood covers her head, providing a stark contrast against the somber background and drawing attention to her face.
The setting is sparse; a portion of a stone wall or architectural element is visible in the upper left corner, suggesting an enclosed space – perhaps a humble dwelling. The lack of detail in the background reinforces the focus on the woman and her activity.
Beyond the literal depiction of a commonplace chore, the painting evokes themes of poverty, aging, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The act of plucking a fowl can be interpreted as symbolic of stripping away what remains, both literally from the bird and metaphorically from the woman’s own existence. Her downcast gaze and stooped posture suggest not only physical fatigue but also an emotional burden – perhaps reflecting on loss or enduring hardship.
The artists use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic contrast between light and dark – heightens the sense of drama and introspection, inviting contemplation on the quiet dignity of a life lived in simplicity and resilience. The overall effect is one of profound stillness and understated pathos, prompting reflection on the human condition and the passage of time.