Two Dead Ducks 1685 - 1755

Count Giorgio Durante rendered "Two Dead Ducks" in pen and watercolor, immortalizing these creatures in a still-life. Here, the ducks are presented in a state of repose, their forms meticulously detailed. The motif of the dead animal has pervaded art history, evoking contemplation on mortality and the ephemeral nature of life. These images find echoes in ancient Roman mosaics and Dutch Golden Age paintings where dead game symbolized both abundance and transience. Think of the memento mori tradition, where skulls and decaying objects served as reminders of life’s brevity, echoing through time. The image of a lifeless animal can trigger deep-seated psychological responses. The stillness and silence contrast sharply with the vibrant energy of living beings, reminding us of our own vulnerability and the inevitability of death. This visceral confrontation with mortality engages viewers on a subconscious level. The depiction of lifeless animals persists as a powerful symbol, reminding us that cultural memory and our shared subconscious shape the creation and interpretation of symbols, ensuring their continuous evolution across time.