The Heron 1867

"The Heron" (1867) by Frederic Bazille is a still life painting depicting a heron hanging from a table, along with other dead birds. The painting, known for its realistic depiction of the subject matter, was created during the artist's early career and reflects the influence of Realism. The composition features a stark contrast between the light and dark tones, creating a sense of drama and highlighting the details of the birds. The heron's feathers, rendered with great precision, create a textural contrast with the smooth surfaces of the table and the paper below. This painting demonstrates Bazille's keen eye for detail and his mastery of the oil painting technique.