The poultry dealers; Die Geflügelhändlerinnen Bartolomeo Passarotti (1529-1592)

Here we observe a scene depicting two women engaged in the trade of poultry. The composition is dominated by a profusion of dead fowl – ducks, geese, chickens – arranged as a backdrop and foreground element. A weathered woman, positioned on the left, interacts with a vibrant red rooster, her expression suggesting familiarity or perhaps a gentle dominance over the bird. She wears simple attire, indicative of her working-class status; a white blouse tucked into a red bodice, covered by a white headscarf.
To her right sits a younger woman, dressed in a striking blue gown with delicate lace detailing. Her gaze is directed outward, conveying an air of detached observation rather than active participation in the trade. She cradles a plump hen in her hands, its feathers rendered with meticulous detail. A small wicker basket filled with live chickens rests at her feet, adding another layer to the depiction of commerce and animal life.
The artist has employed a strong chiaroscuro effect, emphasizing the figures against the darker background of hanging fowl. This technique draws attention to their faces and gestures, highlighting the contrast between their ages and apparent social standing. The lighting also serves to accentuate the textures – the rough fabric of the older woman’s clothing, the smooth sheen of the younger womans gown, and the varied plumage of the birds themselves.
Beyond a straightforward portrayal of market activity, the painting hints at underlying themes of labor, class distinction, and perhaps even generational difference. The older woman embodies the toil and experience associated with her trade, while the younger woman seems distanced from it, possibly representing a future removed from such manual work. The abundance of poultry could be interpreted as symbolic of prosperity or sustenance, yet their lifeless presentation also introduces an element of melancholy or transience. The juxtaposition of live and dead birds further complicates this reading, suggesting a cyclical nature to life and commerce.