The artwork entitled “The Carcass of an Ox (Slaughtered Ox)” was executed by the master painter Rembrandt in 1655. It is an oil painting on board, measuring 51.7 by 73.3 centimeters. The piece is often associated with the Baroque and Tenebrism art movements and is categorized under the still life genre. The artwork is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
“The Carcass of an Ox (Slaughtered Ox)” by Rembrandt depicts the butchered cadaver of an ox hung upside down. The ox is suspended in a dimly lit and sparse Dutch kitchen or barn. Rembrandt’s powerful use of light and shadow—characteristic of his tenebrist approach—draws the viewer’s attention to the textures and details of the flesh and the carcass. The painting exudes a solemn atmosphere, inviting contemplation on the themes of life, death, and the transient nature of existence. The technical mastery of Rembrandt is evident in his ability to render the form and weight of the lifeless animal, asserting his proficiency in capturing realism imbued with emotional depth.