Still Life with Dead Rabbit and Birds 1681

Jan Weenix's "Still Life with Dead Rabbit and Birds," painted in 1681, is a quintessential example of the Dutch "pronkstilleven" genre, which translates to "showy still life." The painting depicts a collection of hunting trophies: a dead rabbit, a shotgun, a hunting horn, and two birds hanging from a pole. The meticulous detail and naturalism of Weenix's work make the scene both visually stunning and a testament to the skill of the hunter. The inclusion of a background garden with an architectural structure further suggests the wealth and social status of the owner of these prized possessions. This work, now housed in the Städel Museum, highlights the Dutch fascination with the natural world, often depicting objects and animals from the hunt in a way that emphasizes their beauty and the skill of the hunter.