Chicken and Tomatoes Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943)

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by a poultry carcass positioned above a pile of ripe tomatoes. The artist has employed a restricted palette, primarily utilizing earthy tones – ochre, brown, and deep greens – with accents of red from the fruit and a muted orange in the background.
Here we see the chicken rendered with an emphasis on its anatomical structure; the details are not idealized but rather presented with a certain rawness. The feathers are suggested through loose brushstrokes, creating a textural effect that conveys both fragility and decay. The carcass is centrally located, drawing immediate attention to its presence. It appears suspended or placed upon a surface, though the exact support remains ambiguous due to the indistinct background.
Below the chicken, a generous mound of tomatoes occupies the lower portion of the canvas. Their vibrant red hue provides a stark contrast against the muted tones above and creates a visual anchor for the composition. The tomatoes are painted with a degree of impasto, adding further texture and emphasizing their ripeness. A white border or edge is visible around the pile of fruit, which helps to isolate them from the surrounding darkness.
The background itself is largely obscured by shadow, though hints of an orange-red wall can be discerned on the left side. This backdrop contributes to a sense of enclosure and adds depth to the scene. The overall effect is one of somber introspection; the subject matter evokes themes of mortality, sustenance, and perhaps even abundance tinged with melancholy.
The arrangement feels deliberately staged, suggesting a commentary on the cycle of life and death or an exploration of the relationship between nourishment and loss. The lack of any human presence further emphasizes the inherent stillness and quietude of the scene, inviting contemplation on the transient nature of existence.