Artwork
Wildfowl on a Wooden Table
Wildfowl on a Wooden Table is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob Biltius. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Wildfowl on a Wooden Table is a 17th-century oil painting by Dutch artist Jacob Biltius, created in 1664. It is a still life that showcases the artist's skill in depicting dead game.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a collection of dead birds arranged on a light-colored wooden table, set against a dark background. The varied poses of the birds create a sense of stillness, inviting contemplation on the themes of life and mortality.
Technique & Style
Biltius employed chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, with the birds appearing to rise from the table. The muted color palette, dominated by browns, grays, and whites, adds to the overall somber tone. The use of oil paint allowed for subtle texture and shading.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Statens Museum for Kunst collection. Biltius, known for his game and kitchen still lifes, worked in various Dutch cities, including The Hague, Amsterdam, and Bergen op Zoom, where he eventually settled.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob Biltius or Jacobus Biltius (The Hague, baptized 27 November 1633 – Bergen op Zoom, 8 February 1681) was a Dutch still life painter originally from The Hague who worked in various places including The Hague,…
