Loarte, Alejandro de – La Gallinera Part 6 Prado Museum

The composition presents a scene centered around a poultry vendor and a female customer within what appears to be a market setting. A dense array of game birds – ducks, geese, chickens – hang suspended from a wooden beam that dominates the upper portion of the canvas. Their varied plumage and poses create a visually rich backdrop, contributing to an atmosphere of abundance and commerce.
In the foreground, a young man, presumably the vendor, stands slightly off-center, holding aloft a large fowl for inspection by the woman positioned beside him. His attire – a dark tunic with a white collar – suggests a modest but respectable social standing. The woman is dressed in a simple, high-necked garment and a white head covering; her gaze is direct and unwavering, conveying an air of quiet assessment. Her open palm, extended towards the bird, implies a careful consideration of its quality or price.
A wicker basket overflowing with additional fowl and a small dish containing eggs are placed at their feet, further emphasizing the nature of the transaction. The arrangement of these elements – the hanging birds, the vendor’s offering, the customers scrutiny – establishes a clear narrative of exchange and provision.
The artist employs a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, grays, and creams – which lends the scene a sense of realism and immediacy. The lighting is even, illuminating the figures without creating harsh contrasts, allowing for detailed observation of textures: the feathers of the birds, the fabric of their clothing, the rough surface of the basket.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a market transaction, subtexts emerge concerning social roles and domesticity. The woman’s presence suggests her responsibility in managing household provisions, while the vendors posture conveys a sense of pride and diligence in his trade. The abundance of fowl could be interpreted as a symbol of prosperity or a commentary on the availability of food within the community. The overall impression is one of everyday life rendered with meticulous detail and understated dignity.