Puytlinck, Christoffel – Stilleven met vlees en dode vogels, 1660-1671 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by depictions of meat and fowl, rendered in a tenebrous setting. A substantial portion of the foreground is occupied by raw cuts of meat – a large bone with attached flesh, alongside slabs of red meat – arranged on what appears to be a dark-colored surface. The lighting focuses intensely upon these elements, highlighting their texture and color while leaving much of the background in shadow.
A cluster of dead birds surrounds the meat. These are not arranged neatly but appear scattered, some with feathers disarrayed, suggesting recent activity or a sense of abrupt cessation. A single, prominently displayed bird, its wings fully extended, draws immediate attention; it is positioned slightly higher than the other fowl and seems to be almost floating within the composition.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of browns, reds, blacks, and muted grays. This limited range contributes to a somber mood and emphasizes the materiality of the objects depicted. The artist’s skill in rendering textures – the glistening surface of the meat, the downy feathers of the birds, the rough grain of the table – is evident throughout.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of perishable goods, the painting invites contemplation on themes of mortality and transience. The presence of dead animals inherently evokes a sense of loss and decay. The careful arrangement, despite its apparent randomness, suggests an underlying order imposed upon these elements, perhaps hinting at humanity’s attempt to control or understand the natural cycle of life and death. The stark contrast between light and shadow amplifies this effect, creating a dramatic atmosphere that underscores the fragility of existence. There is also a subtle suggestion of abundance and indulgence, but its tempered by the inevitable decay inherent in all material things.