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Basse cour

Discover this vibrant Flemish Baroque depiction of chickens by Nicasius Bernaerts, showcasing rich textures and earthy tones; bring home a piece of 17th-century Dutch life.

Discover Nicasius Bernaerts: Flemish painter of animals, hunting scenes & tapestries. Explore his iconic works from Italy & France – a master of animal art.

Giclée / Art Print

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Total Price

$ 81

reproduction

Basse cour

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Artistic style: Flemish Baroque
  • Movement: Flemish Baroque
  • Influences: Frans Snyders
  • Medium: Oil paint on panel
  • Title: Basse cour
  • Subject or theme: Poultry exhibition (chickens)

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary subject matter depicted in 'Basse cour' by Nicasius Bernaerts?
Question 2:
Which artistic style is characteristic of Nicasius Bernaerts' work, as seen in 'Basse cour'?
Question 3:
What type of paint medium was likely used by Bernaerts for this detailed depiction?
Question 4:
The term 'Basse cour' in the context of this painting refers to:
Question 5:
Who was a major influence on Nicasius Bernaerts' style, particularly in animal painting?

Collectible Description

The Lively Bounty of Flemish Life

To gaze upon Nicasius Bernaerts's Basse cour is to step directly into the sun-dappled, earthy heart of 17th-century Flemish rural life. This painting is far more than a mere collection of fowl; it is a vibrant celebration of agricultural abundance and domestic prosperity. The composition bursts with life, featuring a lively gathering of chickens whose varied plumage—from deep blacks to creamy golds—captures the very essence of spirited existence. Bernaerts has masterfully arranged these subjects in an informal tableau, allowing each bird its moment in the spotlight while maintaining a cohesive, natural energy across the canvas.

A Masterclass in Textural Realism

Technically, this work is a testament to the meticulous skill of the Flemish Baroque period. Bernaerts employed oil paint on panel, a medium that allowed him to achieve an astonishing level of verisimilitude. Observe the feathers: they are not simply painted; they seem to possess weight and softness. The artist’s handling of texture—the overlapping barbs, the sheen on a rooster's elaborate crest—is breathtakingly realistic. While the overall perspective maintains a certain flatness characteristic of the era, it is counterbalanced by the palpable depth achieved through Bernaerts's nuanced understanding of light. A soft, diffused illumination seems to emanate from an unseen source, gently highlighting the contours and rich colors of the plumage against the muted, dark background.

Symbolism of Status and Sustenance

Historically, the subject matter itself carries significant weight. The term Basse cour refers not just to a simple yard, but often to an exhibition or display of prized poultry—a visible marker of wealth, status, and successful husbandry in the Dutch Golden Age context. Owning such a piece was akin to displaying one's connection to the land and its bounty. The chickens, therefore, become potent symbols: they speak of reliable sustenance, the cyclical nature of life, and the quiet, enduring prosperity that underpinned much of the era’s mercantile success.

Bringing Rustic Grandeur Home

For the modern collector or designer, this reproduction offers an unparalleled opportunity to infuse a space with historical narrative and organic warmth. The palette—dominated by rich ochres, warm browns, and muted grays—is inherently grounding, making it a perfect focal point for rooms seeking an antique, cultivated atmosphere. Whether displayed in a formal hall or a cozy study, the Basse cour invites contemplation of nature’s intricate beauty. It is art that whispers tales of bygone markets and skilled craftsmanship, transforming a simple wall into a gallery celebrating life's most humble, yet magnificent, details.


Artist Biography

Nicasius Bernaerts: A Flemish Master of Animal Art

Nicasius Bernaerts, Monsù Nicasio or simply Nicasius (15 March 1620, Antwerp – 16 September 1678, Paris) was a Flemish painter of animals, hunting pieces and flowers who had an international career in Italy and Paris. He worked in his native Antwerp, Italy and France. In the final part of his career he worked for the French court and provided tapestry designs to the Gobelins Manufactory in Paris.
  • Early Life & Training: Bernaerts was born in Antwerp, a city renowned for its artistic heritage. He began his artistic journey under the tutelage of Frans Snyders, arguably the most celebrated animal painter of his time in Flanders. Snyders’s masterful depictions of wildlife and hunting scenes profoundly influenced Bernaerts's style and technique.
  • Italian Period & Recognition: Following his training, Bernaerts embarked on a formative trip to Italy where he adopted the moniker ‘Monsù Nicasio’. His work quickly gained acclaim, attracting the patronage of Ferdinando II de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, demonstrating the burgeoning interest in Flemish art within the Italian Renaissance.
  • French Career & Royal Patronage: Bernaerts subsequently relocated to France around 1643 and established himself as a prolific artist in Paris for several years. He was admitted into the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1663, securing royal commissions that cemented his reputation as a leading figure in French Baroque art. Notably, Louis XIV entrusted him with the task of painting animals from his newly formed menagerie at Versailles – a monumental undertaking reflecting the grandeur of the monarchy and Bernaerts’s skill in capturing animal anatomy and behavior.
  • Tapestry Design & Artistic Legacy: Bernaerts's contribution extended beyond individual paintings; he served as a designer for the Gobelins Manufactory, producing stunning tapestry panels that showcased his artistic vision. Furthermore, he worked for the royal real estate office (garde-meuble de la couronne), supplying animal studies and artworks to adorn the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau.
  • Later Life & Artistic Influence: Bernaerts’s later years were marked by hardship due to alcoholism, tragically diminishing his artistic output. He died in poverty in 1678, leaving behind a legacy as one of Flanders's most accomplished animal painters. Alexandre-François desportes, Bernaerts’s pupil, carried forward his stylistic innovations and contributed to the continuation of Flemish animal art traditions.
Style & Technique: Bernaerts excelled in portraying animals with remarkable realism and dramatic intensity. He drew inspiration from Frans Snyders's pioneering approach to depicting predatory birds—a genre that Bernaerts skillfully executed, capturing both anatomical accuracy and emotional dynamism. His paintings frequently depicted violent confrontations between animals, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic sensibilities of the Baroque period. Historical Significance: Nicasius Bernaerts stands as a pivotal figure in 17th-century Flemish art history. He embodies the spirit of the era’s fascination with naturalism and its celebration of heroic narratives—themes powerfully conveyed through his captivating animal paintings. His work continues to inspire artists today, securing his place among the masters of wildlife representation.
nicasius bernaerts

nicasius bernaerts

1620 - 1678

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Baroque
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: David de Koninck
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: Frans Snyders
  • Date Of Birth: 1620
  • Date Of Death: 1678
  • Full Name: Nicasius Bernaerts
  • Nationality: Flemish
  • Notable Artworks:
    • DEUX PETITS CHIENS
    • Oiseaux et faisans
    • Autruche
  • Place Of Birth: Antwerp
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