Rabbit and Copper Pot Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a suspended hare positioned directly above a copper pot. The rabbit is depicted hanging by its hind legs from a slender wooden rod, its fur rendered with a muted palette of grays and browns that suggest a recent kill. Its posture conveys a sense of stillness and vulnerability.
The copper pot dominates the lower portion of the scene. It’s characterized by a rich, reddish-brown hue achieved through careful manipulation of light and shadow, lending it a substantial presence. The handles are prominently displayed, adding to its three-dimensionality. Scattered around the base of the pot lie several chestnuts, their dark tones contrasting with the metallic sheen of the cookware. A small, pale squash rests near the chestnuts, contributing to the overall sense of abundance and domesticity.
The background is deliberately understated – a roughly textured wall rendered in earthy tones that recede into shadow. This lack of detail directs attention toward the central objects. The lighting appears to originate from an unseen source on the left, casting highlights across the surfaces of the rabbit and pot while leaving portions of the composition in deep shade.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a meal preparation scene, the painting evokes subtle undertones related to mortality and sustenance. The presence of the dead hare introduces a note of transience, reminding the viewer of the cycle of life and death inherent in the act of consumption. The copper pot, traditionally associated with cooking and nourishment, symbolizes domesticity and provision. The chestnuts and squash further reinforce this theme of abundance and the bounty of nature.
The artist’s choice to depict these objects in a relatively unadorned setting suggests an emphasis on their intrinsic qualities – the texture of the fur, the sheen of the metal, the form of the produce. This focus invites contemplation not only about the act of eating but also about the materials and processes that sustain human life.