Nani, Mariano – Bodegón de caza: perdiz, ganso y otras aves Part 1 Prado museum

Here we observe a still life composition centered around recently hunted game birds. A gander dominates the central space, its neck extended and plumage rendered with meticulous detail. Several other fowl – a partridge, a duck, and what appears to be another goose – are arranged around it, their bodies positioned in varying states of repose or suspension. The birds appear to have been hung from a thick branch that diagonally bisects the composition, creating a visual anchor for the arrangement.
The artist has employed a muted palette, primarily utilizing earth tones – browns, ochres, and grays – to depict both the birds and the surrounding foliage. This restricted color range contributes to a sense of somberness and realism. The lighting is uneven; it highlights certain areas of the birds’ plumage while leaving others in shadow, enhancing their three-dimensionality.
The background consists of a dark, indistinct woodland scene, further emphasizing the foreground arrangement of game. A small cluster of greenery at the base of the composition provides a grounding element and introduces textural variation. The artists brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of feathers and foliage, suggesting an emphasis on capturing the natural texture and form of the subjects.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of hunted birds, the painting carries subtexts related to abundance, sustenance, and perhaps even mortality. The arrangement suggests a recent hunt, implying a provision for consumption or display. The stillness of the birds, now devoid of life, evokes a contemplation on the cycle of nature and the transient quality of existence. The careful rendering of each bird’s form could also be interpreted as an acknowledgement of their inherent beauty, even in death. The overall effect is one of quiet observation, inviting reflection on themes of human interaction with the natural world and the relationship between life and death.