Felice Boselli – Skinned Head of a Young Bull Kobenhavn (SMK) National Gallery of Denmark

The artwork presents a disquieting study of mortality and physicality. Here we observe the severed head of what appears to be a young bull, meticulously rendered with a focus on its anatomical details following skinning. The subject is positioned in profile against a dark, undefined background that emphasizes its stark presence.

The artist’s attention to detail is striking; the musculature beneath the removed hide is carefully depicted, revealing the underlying structure of the animals head. A range of colors – pale creams, pinks, reds, and browns – are employed to suggest the freshness of the tissue and the subtle variations in tone across its surface. The eyes, though lifeless, retain a degree of realism that contributes to the unsettling nature of the piece.

The composition is deliberately devoid of sentimentality. There’s no attempt at idealization or romanticism; instead, the work confronts the viewer with the raw reality of death and butchery. This directness evokes a sense of vulnerability and fragility in the animal, stripped bare both literally and figuratively. The absence of context – no indication of how the head was obtained or what purpose it serves – amplifies this feeling of isolation and loss.

Subtly, the painting might be interpreted as an exploration of human dominion over nature, highlighting the power to control and exploit living beings. It could also function as a memento mori, prompting reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of decay. The meticulous rendering suggests a fascination with the physical world, even in its most brutal aspects, while simultaneously distancing the viewer from any emotional connection to the subject. Ultimately, the work’s power lies in its ability to provoke discomfort and contemplation through its unflinching portrayal of mortality.