Two Peacocks Threatening a Hen with Chicks, Known as ‘The Threatened Hen’

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through a captivating work in our collection: "Two Peacocks Threatening a Hen with Chicks, Known as ‘The Threatened Hen’," painted in 1681 by Melchior d'Hondecoeter. This vibrant oil on canvas, measuring 1.41 meters wide and 1.155 meters high, is a masterpiece of Dutch Golden Age animal painting, and a testament to the artist's exceptional skill in depicting the natural world. nn The painting's central drama unfolds around a vulnerable hen and her chicks, seemingly threatened by two magnificent peacocks. One peacock, resplendent in its iridescent plumage of greens, blues, and browns, dominates the right side of the composition, its feathers brilliantly illuminated. The contrasting white of the hen and her fluffy brown and yellow chicks creates a striking visual tension. The second peacock, partially shadowed, adds to the sense of impending action. nn D'Hondecoeter's masterful technique is evident in the meticulous detail of each feather, the subtle gradations of color, and the lifelike portrayal of the birds. He skillfully uses light and shadow to create depth and drama, highlighting the peacocks' vibrant plumage while subtly darkening the area around the hen and chicks, emphasizing their vulnerability. The background, featuring a rocky outcrop, a grey pigeon in flight, and hints of a distant landscape, adds to the scene's realism and complexity. nn This work isn't just a beautiful depiction of birds; it hints at a narrative, perhaps exploring themes of predation or territoriality within the avian world. It's a window into the artistic sensibilities of the Dutch Golden Age, a period known for its meticulous attention to detail and its celebration of the natural world. You are viewing this remarkable piece here in the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing the finest examples of Dutch art.