Still Life with Dead Hare and Partridges

The painting has been recognised as an early example of Dutch still-life painting that influenced later animal painters in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is frequently cited in art history as a representative work of the Dutch Golden Age still-life genre. Its presence in the Rijksmuseum collection and inclusion in scholarly inventories have contributed to its reputation as a notable piece within the museum's holdings.

Created in 1717, this oil painting presents a quiet, somber tableau of game. A hare hangs limp from a branch, its fur still appearing soft, while two partridges lie on a dark ledge, one with its head tucked beneath a wing. Hunting implements, a knife, a small pouch, and a birdcage, are scattered nearby, and a muted forest backdrop suggests a distant sky.

Valkenburg employs a restrained palette and subtle chiaroscuro to model the fur and feathers, allowing light to caress the textures while deep shadows give volume. The brushwork is precise, especially in rendering the delicate plumage and the tautness of the hare’s limbs, reflecting the Rococo’s taste for elegant detail without excessive ornamentation.

The piece belongs to a broader tradition of Dutch still-life that documented hunting trophies, a genre popular among the affluent classes of the early eighteenth century. Valkenburg’s focus on game aligns with his known interest in birds and fauna, reflecting both the scientific curiosity and the decorative tastes of his patrons.