Stillevens met dood gevogelte op een plint 1605 - 1678

This is a sketch made by Paul de Vos, a 17th-century Flemish artist, depicting dead fowl arranged on a plinth. The composition is divided into two distinct registers, each presenting a unique arrangement of the subjects. Note how the upper register displays a cluster of birds, their forms overlapping to create a sense of abundance, while the lower register presents a more sparse arrangement, allowing for a clearer view of each individual bird. De Vos employs a dynamic, linear style to capture the texture and volume of the birds' plumage. The lines vary in weight and direction to define the contours of their bodies and create a sense of depth. The use of line is particularly striking, conveying both the softness of the feathers and the lifelessness of the subjects. The arrangement of the dead birds subverts traditional notions of beauty. Instead of celebrating life, De Vos invites us to contemplate mortality. The sketch functions not just as an aesthetic exercise, but also as a profound meditation on the ephemeral nature of existence.