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Still Life with a dead Jay

Willem van Aelst

1663

oil

canvas

From the collection of Ashmolean Museum

Dutch Golden Age Still Life

Dominant colour

Still Life with a dead Jay is a 1663 oil by Willem van Aelst, a Dutch Golden Age work, held at Ashmolean Museum.

Who painted this?: Willem van Aelst
When & what style?: 1663 · Dutch Golden Age
Where can I see it?: Ashmolean Museum

About this work

This painting shows a still life of a dead bird, possibly a jay, lying on its back. The bird's feathers are a mix of brown, white, and black, and it has a small beak. The bird is placed on a dark background, which makes its feathers stand out. The painting is done in a realistic style, with attention to detail in the bird's feathers and the surrounding environment. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark, adds depth and volume to the painting. If you're interested in learning more about the artist who created this painting, you can look up Willem van Aelst.