Rousseau,H. The meal of the rabbit, 1908, Barnes foundation Henri Julien Felix Rousseau (1844-1910)

The composition presents a scene of quiet domesticity, centered around a rabbit engaged in its meal. The animal occupies the foreground, positioned slightly off-center and rendered with meticulous detail; its fur is carefully delineated, capturing both light and shadow to suggest volume and texture. It appears focused on consuming what are clearly carrots laid out before it, alongside a large cabbage leaf.
The background establishes a stark contrast to the naturalistic depiction of the rabbit. A brick wall dominates the left side, painted in deep, saturated reds that create a sense of enclosure and confinement. The wall’s surface is rendered with an almost photographic precision, highlighting individual bricks and their mortar joints. To the right, a tree branch extends into the frame, its leaves depicted with a similar level of detail as the rabbits fur. This juxtaposition of meticulously detailed natural elements against a flat, artificial backdrop contributes to the paintings peculiar atmosphere.
The color palette is restrained but impactful. The dominant red of the brick wall provides a visual anchor and creates a sense of warmth, while the greens of the foliage offer a counterpoint. The orange carrots stand out vividly against this background, drawing immediate attention to the rabbit’s sustenance.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a rabbit eating, the painting invites contemplation on themes of nature versus artifice. The artist seems interested in exploring the boundaries between the observed world and its representation. The deliberate flatness of the wall suggests an artificial construct, while the naturalism of the animal implies a connection to something more authentic. This tension creates a sense of unease or quiet melancholy.
The arrangement of elements also hints at a narrative. The rabbit’s solitary meal could be interpreted as a symbol of isolation or contentment, depending on ones perspective. The enclosed setting suggests a controlled environment, perhaps hinting at the artist’s own feelings about confinement and observation. Ultimately, the work is less about the literal act of eating and more about the complex relationship between the observer and the observed, the natural and the constructed.