Fighting Cocks
1663
oil
From the collection of Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
1663
oil
From the collection of Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
This painting depicts two roosters in the foreground, facing each other aggressively. Behind them, a wooden structure with vertical slats holds three chickens and two rabbits. The rabbits lie on their sides on top of the structure, while the chickens peer out from between the slats. On top of the structure, three apples sit on a piece of paper. The scene is set against a dark background. The artist has used chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and drama in the painting. The contrast between light and dark adds to the tension between the two roosters. If you're interested in learning more about the artist who created this piece, look up Jacob Biltius.
