The Threatened Swan c. 1650

"The Threatened Swan" by Jan Asselijn, painted around 1650, depicts a swan in a dramatic pose, its wings outstretched and beak open in a defensive posture. The swan stands on a bank by a body of water, seemingly threatened by an unseen predator. This Dutch Golden Age painting, currently at the Rijksmuseum, is a powerful example of Asselijn's mastery of animal portrayal and his ability to capture a moment of heightened tension. The intricate details, including the delicate feathers and the ripples in the water, further emphasize the swan's vulnerability and the sense of impending danger. Asselijn's work, characterized by its realism and emotional depth, is a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world.