Franz Werner von Tamm – Still life with flowers, fruit and two hens Liechtenstein Museum (Vienna)

The composition presents a meticulously arranged still life, dominated by a woven basket overflowing with produce and accompanied by two hens. The arrangement is set against a backdrop of muted landscape, hinting at a distant horizon under a cloudy sky.
A halved watermelon occupies the left foreground, its interior vividly rendered to showcase the fruits texture and color. Adjacent to it lies a cluster of walnuts, their dark tones contrasting with the lighter hues of the surrounding elements. A substantial cabbage head is positioned near the basket, its leaves meticulously detailed. Scattered around these primary objects are various vegetables – onions, what appear to be leeks or scallions, and other unidentifiable root vegetables – contributing to the overall sense of abundance.
The woven basket itself is a focal point, its intricate pattern adding visual interest. It spills forth with an assortment of fruits and vegetables, further emphasizing the theme of harvest and plenty. Two hens are nestled amongst the produce; one appears alert, while the other seems more relaxed, their feathers rendered with considerable realism. The placement of these fowl suggests domesticity and a connection to rural life.
The lighting is carefully orchestrated, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow. This creates depth and volume within the scene, enhancing the tactile quality of the objects depicted. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures – from the smooth skin of the watermelon to the rough weave of the basket and the soft plumage of the hens.
Beyond a simple depiction of everyday objects, the painting carries subtexts related to prosperity and the cyclical nature of life. The abundance of food suggests wealth and good fortune. The presence of living creatures – the hens – introduces an element of vitality and continuity. The inclusion of both ripe and potentially decaying elements (implied by the halved watermelon) may allude to the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of change, a common theme in still life paintings from this period. The landscape backdrop, though subdued, provides context, grounding the scene within a broader natural world.