Old Woman Plucking a Fowl

Old Woman Plucking a Fowl by Anonymous Artist; Rembrandt van Rijn is a striking oil on canvas composition created during the mid-seventeenth century, circa 1650-1655. This work falls within the broader chronological span of 1601 to 1650, representing the zenith of artistic productivity in the Dutch Golden Age, a period defined by its meticulous focus on genre scenes and portraiture. The ongoing scholarly uncertainty regarding its precise authorship is acknowledged by the classification of its Culture as Unknown, reflecting the complexity of distinguishing works by Rijn himself from those executed by highly skilled pupils or studio collaborators.

The painting depicts an elderly woman seated in a sparse, shadowed interior, entirely focused on the mundane, yet essential, domestic task of defeathering a bird. The artist, utilizing techniques associated with Rijn’s mature style, employs deep contrasts between light and shadow (a technique related to tenebrism) to highlight the physical presence of the woman and the texture of her aged skin. The lighting is concentrated on her head and hands, drawing the viewer's attention to the labor being performed, while the background recedes into almost total obscurity. This intimate approach transforms a simple act of preparation into a dignified observation of perseverance and the quiet reality of everyday life.

Unlike grand narrative paintings, this piece exemplifies the Dutch penchant for character studies, focusing on common people engaged in their daily routines. Whether executed directly by Rembrandt van Rijn or a close follower, the canvas showcases a masterful handling of oil paint, particularly in the rendering of textiles and the feathered bird resting in the woman’s lap. Today, this significant piece remains housed in the United States, forming an important part of the European paintings collection at the National Gallery of Art. Thanks to modern initiatives, high-resolution prints and academic resources related to the work are often available through public domain channels, furthering the study of this compelling work.