March, Miguel – Milano atacando un gallinero Part 6 Prado Museum

The composition presents a chaotic scene centered around a group of fowl and dominated by a sense of impending threat. A large bird of prey, rendered with considerable detail in its plumage and wing structure, descends from the upper right corner, poised to strike at the chickens scattered below. The dramatic lighting emphasizes the dynamism of this moment; the bird is illuminated against a stormy sky, while much of the ground remains shrouded in shadow.
The artist has arranged the chickens in a variety of poses – some frozen in apparent alarm, others attempting to flee. A prominent rooster stands near the center, his comb flared and beak open as if issuing a warning or challenge. The overall effect is one of sudden disruption and vulnerability.
A substantial portion of the left side of the canvas is occupied by a dark, overgrown structure that resembles a dilapidated barn or shed. This element contributes to the sense of enclosure and isolation, intensifying the feeling that the chickens are trapped within this confined space. The darkness also obscures details, adding an air of mystery and potential danger beyond what is immediately visible.
In the lower left corner, a rolled parchment is affixed to the ground. The presence of written text suggests a narrative element or perhaps a satirical commentary embedded within the scene. Its placement seems deliberate, drawing attention to it as a possible key to understanding the broader meaning of the work.
The color palette is largely muted, with browns, blacks, and grays predominating. This contributes to the somber mood and reinforces the sense of foreboding. The limited use of brighter colors – the red comb on the rooster, the pale feathers of some chickens – serves to highlight specific elements within the composition and draw the viewers eye to points of interest.
The painting’s subtexts likely involve themes of predation, vulnerability, and perhaps even political satire. The attack by the bird could be interpreted as a metaphor for an external threat or invasion, while the chickens represent those who are being targeted. The parchment might contain a proclamation, a warning, or a satirical commentary on the events unfolding. The overall impression is one of a carefully constructed allegory, inviting viewers to decipher its layered meanings.