Пuineafowl 1917

Jan Mankes made this 'Пuineafowl' with paint, building up layers of tone on tone to create a muted, dreamlike image. The way he handles the paint here is so delicate; it's almost as if he's trying to capture the essence of the bird rather than just its outward appearance. There's a real sense of intimacy and connection, which makes you feel like you're getting a glimpse into Mankes' personal world. Look at the way the light catches the feathers, especially around the bird's neck. You can almost feel the softness of the plumage. And the way he uses these tiny flecks of paint to suggest the texture of the ground – it's just magical. I’m thinking of Morandi, maybe, in the quiet stillness and the way he reduces everything to its simplest form. But really, Mankes is doing his own thing, creating these little worlds that are so full of feeling.