Rooster Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943)

The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by a central avian figure, presumably a rooster, rendered in a highly expressive and abstracted style. The background is a turbulent field of blues, ranging from deep indigo to lighter cerulean, applied with vigorous brushstrokes that create a sense of movement and unease. These strokes do not define space realistically but rather contribute to the overall emotional intensity.
The bird itself is constructed from thick impasto layers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Its form is distorted; anatomical accuracy is sacrificed for an emphasis on dynamic energy. The comb appears as a flame-like eruption atop its head, while the wings are suggested by sweeping gestures that extend outwards. The legs and feet are depicted with sharp angles and clawed appendages, contributing to a feeling of precariousness or aggression.
The dark framing borders heighten the contrast against the vibrant colors within, isolating the figure and intensifying its presence. This isolation contributes to an atmosphere of vulnerability despite the implied strength conveyed by the bird’s posture. The lack of contextual detail – no landscape, no other figures – focuses attention solely on the creature itself.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of vitality and struggle. The rooster, traditionally a symbol of dawn, courage, and masculinity, is here presented not as a serene emblem but as a being caught in a moment of intense exertion or perhaps even distress. The distorted form and agitated background suggest an internal turmoil that transcends simple representation. It could be interpreted as a meditation on the fragility of strength, or a visual metaphor for facing adversity. The painting’s overall effect is one of raw emotion conveyed through bold color choices and expressive brushwork.