Zittende kip, naar links 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard created this study of a seated chicken with chalk on paper. Note how Bernard captured the essence of the hen through form rather than detail. The hen’s body is rendered with quick, overlapping strokes of black and grey chalk that give a sense of volume and texture to its plumage. Red chalk is lightly applied to define the head. The chicken's form is solid and compact, suggesting warmth and protection. Bernard’s technique, though economical, encapsulates the hen’s weight and shape. The strokes that define the ground are equally sparse. They create a textural contrast between the softness of the hen and the roughness of the ground. The neutral palette focuses attention on the interplay of light and shadow. This study transcends a mere depiction of poultry. It embodies the intersection of form and function, revealing a structure that echoes broader themes of nature and existence. This artwork invites us to appreciate the beauty inherent in form, skillfully revealed through the artist’s selective and deliberate mark-making.