Peacocks, Ducks and other Animals 1631

"Peacocks, Ducks and other Animals" is a 1631 painting by Dutch Golden Age artist Gijsbert Gillisz. de Hondecoeter. This oil-on-canvas work is an excellent example of the Dutch "animal piece" genre, a subcategory of still life popularized by artists like Melis de Hondecoeter (Gijsbert's son), Jan Weenix, and Willem Duyster. The composition is a complex arrangement of birds in a semi-naturalistic setting, showcasing the artist's skilled rendering of textures and forms. The peacock, a symbol of beauty and pride, is prominently featured alongside ducks, geese, and a rabbit, suggesting a diverse ecosystem. The painting is currently part of the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst collection in Denmark.