Still Life With Pheasant Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943)

The composition presents a still life arranged on what appears to be a draped table. A pheasant dominates the right side of the scene, its form rendered with broad, energetic brushstrokes that emphasize texture and volume rather than precise detail. The birds plumage is suggested through layers of orange, red, and brown hues, creating a sense of vibrancy despite the overall somber palette.
To the left, a white bowl overflows with what seem to be small fruits – possibly cherries or plums – their surfaces catching light in scattered highlights. This bowl rests upon a folded cloth, which is itself treated with similar expressive brushwork as the pheasant, blurring the distinction between objects and background. The folds of the fabric contribute to the sense of depth and create visual interest through variations in tone and texture.
A brass candlestick stands near the pheasant, its form simplified into geometric shapes. A faint glow emanates from the candle itself, adding a subtle source of illumination that contrasts with the darkness enveloping much of the scene.
The background is largely obscured by dark green drapery, which serves to isolate the still life and intensify the focus on the objects themselves. The limited color range – primarily greens, reds, oranges, and whites – creates a mood of quiet contemplation.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of everyday items, the painting seems to explore themes of abundance and mortality. The pheasant, as a symbol of game and luxury, is juxtaposed with the perishable nature of fruit and the transient quality of light suggested by the candle. The overall effect is one of melancholic beauty, inviting reflection on the fleetingness of life and the passage of time. The artist’s deliberate use of expressive brushwork contributes to this feeling, imbuing the scene with a sense of immediacy and emotional depth.