Signed in the lower right hand corner “J. Mulders”, this oil on canvas painting from the 1900’s depicts a nature morte, or still life, scene. The colors are quite vibrant and even more intense in person, with the realistic colors of the fruit catching the viewer’s eye.

In the center of the canvas is a recently felled rabbit, suspended above a table by a method for curing game known as the achilles tendon hang. The head of the light brown rabbit is resting on a pink and white cloth that covers a section of the table. Surrounding the rabbit are various fruits and libations, including an overturned wicker basket, loaded with green and red apples. A low stem wine glass can be seen on the edge of the cloth, next to a cluster of purple grapes. There are several ewers in the background, behind some long greenery. An open bottle of wine is next to a platter full of oranges with a paring knife. Behind the preparation table is a wooden wall accented by inlaid brown bricks.

Jean Mulders was a Belgian painter born in the small town of Averbode in 1913. Known for his oil paintings, Mulders also used crayons as a medium in some works. Greatly inspired by life in rural Belgium, he often incorporated actual people and landmarks into his works. Mulders did not limit his artwork to the Belgian countryside, often depicting Spain and North Africa.

CONDITION: Good condition with minor buildup. No frame, but the canvas has been stretched over wood supports. Some light fraying to the canvas edge, which will not be visible if installed inside a frame.