Nani, Mariano – Bodegón de caza: una liebre y dos perdices Part 1 Prado museum

The composition presents a still life arrangement of game animals suspended from a roughly constructed rope. A hare occupies the central position, its form dominating the vertical space with a palpable sense of weight and vulnerability. Flanking it are two partridges, positioned on either side and partially obscuring one another. The animals hang against a dark, indistinct background that fades into near-blackness at the top, creating an atmosphere of somber stillness.
The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the animals textures. The fur of the hare appears realistically rendered with individual hairs suggested through subtle variations in tone and brushwork. Similarly, the feathers of the partridges are depicted with a careful observation of their structure and coloration. A muted palette of browns, grays, and creams contributes to the overall feeling of naturalism and reinforces the subject matters connection to the hunt.
The rope supporting the animals is rendered in a loose, almost careless manner, contrasting with the meticulous detail given to the game itself. This juxtaposition suggests a certain indifference or detachment on the part of the hunter, emphasizing the act of acquisition over any reverence for the creatures themselves. The darkness enveloping the background serves not only to isolate the subject but also to heighten the dramatic effect and focus attention solely on the suspended animals.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of hunted game, the painting evokes a sense of melancholy and transience. The lifelessness of the animals, combined with the dark backdrop, suggests themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. There is an underlying tension between the beauty of the natural forms and their tragic fate. The arrangement itself – the deliberate suspension – implies a narrative; these creatures were once part of a vibrant ecosystem, now reduced to objects of display or consumption. This stillness invites contemplation on humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the consequences of its actions.