Still Life with Hare, Heron and other Birds 1630 - 1652

"Still Life with Hare, Heron and other Birds" (1630-1652) by Elias Vonck depicts a collection of dead game, showcasing the artist’s mastery of realism. The dark background emphasizes the detail in the individual feathers, fur, and skin of the animals. The dramatic composition, with the hare hanging upside down and the heron splayed out, creates a sense of tension and a reminder of the fragility of life. This still life, like other works by Vonck, likely served as a reminder of the bounty of the hunt and a celebration of the skills of the hunter.