Vis, deels vergaan 1775 - 1833

"Vis, deels vergaan" (Fish, partially decayed), a watercolor on paper by Dutch artist Jean Bernard, is a striking example of "Still Life" from the early 19th century. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a single herring in meticulous detail, highlighting the natural decay process and the ephemeral nature of life. Bernard's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of realism, while the subtle color variations capture the subtle nuances of the fish's decaying flesh. This work, spanning from 1775 to 1833, showcases Bernard's artistic skill and the beauty that can be found even in the impermanence of nature.