Maris, Willem – Eenden, 1880-1904 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The canvas presents a tranquil scene centered around waterfowl in a natural setting. Here we observe two ducks resting on the surface of what appears to be a pond or still body of water. The foreground is dominated by lush, verdant grasses that extend from the lower edge of the composition and partially obscure the waterline. Behind the ducks, dense foliage rises vertically, creating a backdrop of dark greens and browns that suggest reeds or cattails along the bank.
The artist’s handling of paint contributes significantly to the overall mood. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, particularly in the depiction of the water and vegetation, lending a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work. Light plays across the surface of the water, creating subtle reflections that break up the otherwise dark tones. The ducks themselves are rendered with a softer touch, their plumage suggested through delicate gradations of white, grey, and brown.
The composition is deliberately simple, focusing attention on the quiet intimacy of the moment. There’s an absence of human presence or intervention; the scene feels untouched by civilization. This contributes to a sense of peaceful solitude and invites contemplation of the natural world. The subdued palette reinforces this feeling, with the greens and browns evoking a sense of stillness and serenity.
Subtly, the painting might be interpreted as a meditation on domesticity and nature. While these are domesticated birds, they exist within an environment that feels wild and untamed. This juxtaposition could suggest a broader commentary on humanity’s relationship to the natural world – a desire for connection with something beyond the confines of human society. The ducks stillness also hints at a sense of contentment and acceptance, perhaps suggesting a yearning for similar tranquility in the viewer.