#02550 Filippo De Pisis

The painting presents a still life arrangement on what appears to be a wooden surface. A lantern dominates the compositions center, its metallic structure rendered with a focus on geometric forms and shadowed planes. To its right sits a small, dark-colored vessel, seemingly ceramic or glass, perched atop a slender base. The left side of the canvas features a dead bird, depicted in muted tones, resting upon a red cloth that pools slightly around it. A shallow dish holds several pieces of fruit – an apple and a cluster of grapes – positioned near the right edge.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – browns, ochres, grays – with touches of red and hints of green in the fruit. The lighting seems diffused, creating soft shadows that contribute to a sense of quietude and introspection. Theres an intentional flattening of perspective; objects are presented without deep spatial recession, emphasizing their two-dimensionality.
The arrangement evokes themes of mortality and transience. The presence of the dead bird is particularly poignant, suggesting fragility and the inevitability of decay. The lantern, a symbol often associated with guidance or illumination, seems dimmed or extinguished, perhaps hinting at lost hope or obscured paths. The fruit, typically representing abundance and vitality, appears somewhat subdued in color and form, further reinforcing this sense of melancholy.
The compositions deliberate simplicity and the muted palette contribute to an atmosphere of contemplative stillness. It is not a celebratory display of life but rather a quiet meditation on its fleeting nature, inviting viewers to consider themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The artist’s signature appears discreetly in the lower right corner, adding a personal touch to this somber scene.