Pheasant and ducks
1720
oil
From the collection of Fitzwilliam Museum
1720
oil
From the collection of Fitzwilliam Museum
This painting depicts a serene scene of birds in a natural setting. A large pheasant stands prominently on the left, its feathers a mix of brown and black, with a distinctive red patch around its eye. To the right, a group of ducks are gathered, including a white duck with a tuft of feathers on its head and a few yellow ducklings. The background of the painting features a cloudy sky and a body of water, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The overall mood of the painting is one of tranquility, with the birds seemingly unaware of the viewer's presence. For more information on the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume in objects, look up Pieter Casteels III.