#51505 Italy

The composition presents a densely populated scene centered around a table laden with game and livestock. Two figures, a woman on the left and a boy on the right, dominate the foreground. The woman, dressed in vibrant red and white attire, gestures towards a large goose placed prominently on the table. Her expression appears somewhat detached, almost indifferent to the abundance surrounding her. Beside her, the young boy holds several fish, his gaze directed downwards, suggesting perhaps a sense of responsibility or solemnity associated with the bounty displayed.
Behind them, an elaborate arrangement of hanging fowl – turkeys, chickens, and other birds – creates a visual backdrop, contributing to the overall impression of lavishness. To the right, a group of goats and sheep are clustered together, their forms rendered with considerable detail in terms of texture and anatomy. A small lamb is positioned near the edge of the composition, seemingly separated from the rest of the herd.
The table itself sits atop an ornate structure, which in turn rests on a lower platform overflowing with additional game – partridges, rabbits, and more fowl – and scattered eggs. This layering creates depth within the scene while simultaneously emphasizing the sheer volume of food presented. The artist’s use of light is notable; it highlights certain areas – particularly the womans face and the goose – drawing attention to key elements within the composition.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of abundance, the painting seems to explore themes of prosperity and perhaps even excess. The figures’ expressions, rather than conveying joy or celebration, suggest a more complex relationship with this wealth – a sense of duty, formality, or even a subtle critique of opulence. The juxtaposition of the human figures with the animals evokes questions about dominion over nature and the consumption of resources. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos, where an abundance of life is presented in a meticulously arranged, yet somewhat unsettling manner.