Woman Plucking a Duck

Gallery 364, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

Woman Plucking a Duck

c. 1655-1656

Nicolaes Maes (Dutch (active Amsterdam and Dordrecht), 1634–1693)

This intimate interior scene conveys a veiled erotic symbolism, suggested by the lurking cat (a symbol of lust) and the rifle, gamebag, and glass of wine (on a table in the room beyond), objects that hint at a nearby male presence. The picture is also notable for depicting a range of ceramics used in the homes of well-off Dutch citizens in this period, including a Westerwald stoneware jug ornamented with repeated floral reliefs resting on the windowsill and Westerwald drinking jugs hanging from a rack in the upper right, ready for use. The frequent appearance of German stoneware vessels in genre paintings of the Dutch Golden Age reflects the extent of the export trade and the practical qualities of these wares, while also offering a sense of their valued status in households.

Gallery 364, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Woman Plucking a Duck

Date:

c. 1655-1656

Artist:

Nicolaes Maes (Dutch (active Amsterdam and Dordrecht), 1634–1693)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

23 1/2 x 25 3/4 inches (59.7 x 65.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Gordon A. Hardwick and Mrs. W. Newbold Ely in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Roland L. Taylor, 1944

Accession Number:

1944-9-4

Geography:

Made in Netherlands, Europe

Provenance

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Gallery 364, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

Museum map