A Green Neck Duck with a Seville Orange 1730

"A Green Neck Duck with a Seville Orange" (1730) by Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin exemplifies the artist's mastery of still life painting. The composition showcases a meticulously rendered green-necked duck hanging upside down, with its feathers realistically depicted. The duck's outstretched wing creates a sense of movement against the muted brown background, leading the eye to the single Seville orange resting on a tabletop. Chardin's use of light and shadow enhances the textures of the objects, making the duck's plumage and the orange's skin appear almost tactile. This simple yet evocative scene captures the essence of Chardin's focus on everyday objects, elevating them to the status of art.