Still Life with a Swan. Schneiders

It is large enough that the swan, positioned at the focal point of the composition and emphasized by the whiteness of its plumage, appears to be depicted life-size. This still life presents itself as an embodiment of the triumph of abundance. Although the game—and rather luxurious game—is the central focus, there are also vegetables visible beneath the red tablecloth, fruit in a basket on the table, and seafood. The deer’s head dangling from the table and the vegetables seem to spill out onto the viewer, unable to remain contained within the canvas, which is too small for them even at its giant scale.

The deer’s legs jut upward in a running pose, although its head, dripping blood from its mouth, hangs downward. The swan’s wings are partially spread, its long neck gracefully curved. The dramatic arch of the wing and neck lends dynamism to the bird’s body. And the boar’s mouth is open, as if the animal is still alive.

The composition also features living creatures. These include dogs and a small bird (a Jac parrot) on a basket of fruit. An invisible hand holds the dogs on a leash. Their owner has likely come into the shop for groceries and is conversing with the shopkeeper. His presence is indicated only by the tension with which the black-and-white dog in the foreground reaches for the swan but cannot enjoy it because of the leash pulled to its limit.

The composition is also dynamic. A primary diagonal can be traced through the focal point. This diagonal runs across the back of the black-and-white dog, the body of the swan slightly raised at the rear, and the greenery in the basket. This diagonal not only creates a sense of movement, emphasizing the dog’s desire to reach the swan and the resemblance to its raised wing, but also divides the composition into two planes. The main part of the produce is placed in the foreground and catches the light; the background features an empty wall, along with a dark boar’s head nearly blending into it, and a shopkeeper distracted by the buyer, holding a plate of figs.

For example, in «Still Life with a Wine Cooler, ” the piled-up vegetables and carcasses of fowl and game meant for a future feast are separated from the basket of wine and the silhouettes of people engaged in domestic tasks. In a work created in collaboration with Van Dyck, the diagonal line separates the „zones of responsibility“ of the artists. Snæders painted a fish market, where the huge sturgeon immediately draws attention, and across its body, one can easily draw a diagonal line to separate the scene of money exchange painted by Van Dyck.

For example, grapes can be interpreted as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, while the swan and the deer symbolize a righteous soul, piety, and spirituality. It is fascinating to consider what attracts the dog to these elements. The rabbit might reference the theme of «the vanity of vanities, ” which was also present in the painting of the Dutch Golden Age. Figs can signify abundance and prosperity, but also the rejection of Christ’s words. Oysters are symbols of worldly temptations, and the lobster represents the transience of life. The peacock, which might seem unexpected to a modern viewer in this realm, is also deliberate. The presence of an exotic bird intensifies the sense of incredible luxury.