CHARDIN JEAN BAPTISTE SIMEON – Dead rabbit and hunting accessories Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a deceased hare suspended from what appears to be a hunting bag. The animals posture is striking; its forelegs are raised in a gesture that evokes both vulnerability and a semblance of supplication. Its head hangs downwards, the ear drooping towards the surface upon which it rests alongside other objects.
The color palette is dominated by muted earth tones – browns, grays, and ochres – contributing to an atmosphere of somberness and quiet contemplation. The lighting is dramatic, with a strong light source illuminating the hare’s form while leaving much of the background in deep shadow. This contrast emphasizes the texture of the animals fur and highlights its physical presence within the scene.
To the left of the hare, a cylindrical object, possibly a cartridge or some other hunting implement, sits on the ledge. Its metallic sheen provides a subtle visual counterpoint to the organic textures surrounding it. The surface upon which these objects are placed appears to be a weathered stone shelf, adding another layer of texture and suggesting an outdoor setting, likely a hunter’s domain.
The subtexts within this arrangement seem to revolve around themes of mortality, sustenance, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The dead hare is not presented as a trophy or object of triumph but rather as a subject worthy of careful observation. Its stillness invites reflection on the cycle of life and death, and the inherent fragility of existence. The inclusion of hunting accessories suggests a narrative of pursuit and capture, yet the overall tone avoids any sense of celebratory violence. Instead, there is an underlying melancholy, a quiet acknowledgement of loss and the inevitable end that awaits all living things.
The artists meticulous rendering of textures – the fur of the hare, the rough surface of the stone ledge, the fabric of the bag – demonstrates a keen observational skill and a desire to capture the tangible reality of the scene. The signature chardin is visible in the lower left corner, subtly anchoring the work within a specific artistic tradition.