Dead birds and hunting appurtenances

Dead birds and hunting appurtenances, a 1665 painting by Melchior d'Hondecoeter, is an oil on canvas work measuring 0.822 meters wide and 1.042 meters high. 



The painting depicts a still life arrangement of dead birds and hunting equipment. The central focus is on several birds, including a large bird (possibly a pheasant or similar game bird) hanging upside down, its plumage detailed and realistically rendered. Other birds lie on a dark surface, some with their wings spread. The birds are varied in size and species. 



The hunting equipment includes what appears to be a quiver of arrows or similar projectiles, partially visible behind some of the birds. There's also a large horn or hunting trophy, and a dark-colored object that could be a hunting bag or pouch. The overall color palette is dark and muted, with browns, greens, and the muted colors of the birds' feathers dominating. The background is dark and indistinct, suggesting a shadowy, possibly cave-like setting. The lighting is focused on the central arrangement of birds and equipment, creating a strong contrast between the brightly lit objects and the dark background. The overall mood is one of somber realism, characteristic of still-life paintings of the period. The painting is currently housed in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.