Artwork Page for Still Life with Dead Birds and a Basket of Oysters

Details / Information for Still Life with Dead Birds and a Basket of Oysters

Still Life with Dead Birds and a Basket of Oysters

c. 1860–80

Germain Ribot

(French, 1845–1893)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
oil on fabric
Measurements
Unframed: 46 x 55.3 cm (18 1/8 x 21 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Noah L. Butkin 1980.281
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Against a dark brown background, Ribot painted a basket filled with oysters. Light coming from the left is gently cast over the wicker basket. A dead magpie, with its white chest and long black beak, emerges from the shadows at the left. This bird, along with the partridge in the foreground, the jay toward the back, and what appears to be a sparrow at the right, are probably located in a kitchen, where preparations for cooking will soon begin. Germain Ribot, who painted genre (everyday life) scenes and still lifes, was the son of the more famous Théodule-Augustin Ribot (1823-1891), known for his working-class and peasant subjects.
A horizontally oriented oil painting depicts a still life of game and oysters against a dark background. On a brown tiled floor, three dead birds with white, gray, and reddish-brown plumage cluster toward our left. Centered in front sits an open oyster shell, while a single small bird lies to our right. Behind them, a rectangular woven basket is filled with dark oysters. Subtle brushstrokes are visible throughout.

Still Life with Dead Birds and a Basket of Oysters

c. 1860–80

Germain Ribot

(French, 1845–1893)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork