The artwork titled “Chicken Coop,” painted by Paul Gauguin around 1875 in France, exemplifies the Impressionist movement. This oil on canvas piece, measuring 22 by 33.5 centimeters, belongs to the animal painting genre. Currently, it is housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
In the artwork, one observes a rural scene vividly depicting chickens in their natural habitat. The foreground features chickens pecking at the ground, rendered with quick, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of Impressionism. There is a white chicken that stands out in the middle, surrounded by darker counterparts, which may suggest a focal point chosen by the artist. The background is muted with darker tones, likely representing the interior of the coop and providing a contrast that highlights the activity in the foreground. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and naturalism, inviting the viewer into this slice of bucolic life.
