The artwork titled “Plucked Chicken,” created by Chaim Soutine in 1925, is a seminal piece within the Expressionism movement. This still life painting is currently housed at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France.
“Plucked Chicken” presents a visceral and intense depiction of a raw, plucked chicken suspended within a dynamic and turbulent environment. The use of striking and bold brushstrokes conveys a sense of chaos and raw energy, characteristic of the Expressionism movement. The choice of dark, rich hues intertwined with fiery tones accentuates the tension and drama within the composition. The textures achieved through Soutine’s vigorous application of paint bring a palpable, almost tactile quality to the lifeless subject, evoking a haunting and poignant atmosphere. The surrounding elements blur into abstraction, placing an emphatic focus on the grotesque and raw nature of the central figure, further inviting the viewer into an introspective contemplation of life and mortality.