#44519 Baldomero Romero Ressendi

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a wooden chair and a deceased fowl. The chairs structure is plainly rendered, its backslats vertical and parallel, contributing to a sense of rigidity and containment. A subdued light source illuminates the scene from an unseen direction, casting shadows that deepen the overall somber mood.
The bird, positioned centrally on the chair’s seat, dominates the foreground. Its plumage displays a complex interplay of yellows, browns, and blacks, meticulously detailed despite its lifeless state. The artist has captured the texture of the feathers with visible brushstrokes, lending a tactile quality to the representation. The fowls head is tilted downwards, suggesting a posture of resignation or defeat.
Behind the chair, a dark silhouette of what appears to be a cat is discernible. Its form is largely undefined, blending into the background and adding an element of mystery. The cat’s posture – arched back and raised tail – conveys alertness and perhaps a predatory instinct, though its role remains ambiguous within this tableau.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of earthy tones – ochres, browns, blacks, and muted yellows – which reinforce the paintings melancholic atmosphere. The limited range of colors contributes to a sense of stillness and quietude.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of mortality and the cyclical nature of life and death. The presence of the fowl, traditionally associated with masculinity and vitality, now rendered lifeless, evokes contemplation on transience. The cat’s watchful presence could be interpreted as a symbol of fate or an indifferent observer of human affairs. The simple chair serves not merely as a prop but also as a stage for this quiet drama, emphasizing the fragility of existence within a structured environment. The paintings overall effect is one of understated tragedy and contemplative stillness.