Woman cleaning a duck

Woman cleaning a duck, a painting by Nicolaes Maes, dated 1657. 



The artwork depicts a scene in what appears to be a poultry shop or market stall, set outdoors against a backdrop of a Dutch canal-side town with windmills. 



The central focus is a woman seated, meticulously cleaning a duck. She is dressed in simple, dark clothing. To her left, a young child stands near a barrel, and a small dog sits nearby. To the woman's right, another woman stands behind a table laden with various game birds, including ducks and other fowl. A third person, possibly a young man, is seen in the background, carrying a basket of vegetables. The overall mood is one of quiet domestic activity. The painting is characterized by a realistic style, with attention to detail in the depiction of the figures, animals, and the setting. The color palette is subdued, with earth tones and browns dominating.