Pheasants and the Milkcan

Merrill Coffin’s Pheasant and the Milkcan is a stunning composition that captures the quiet beauty of rural life. The painting transports the viewer to a golden autumn field, where time seems to slow, and nature seamlessly blends with remnants of the past.

At the heart of the piece, a pheasant sits beside an aged milkcan, its iridescent plumage a striking contrast to the muted, weathered metal. The pheasant, a symbol of resilience and grace, appears both alert and at ease, its presence grounding the composition in the essence of the countryside. Beside it, a worn harvest basket rests, a subtle nod to the hard work and traditions of farm life. These elements suggest a story—perhaps a farmer’s daily routine or a memory of seasons past.

The background features a barbed wire fence stretching from left to right, subtly enclosing the scene. The fence, though weathered and sagging in places, represents the delicate boundary between cultivated land and the wild. Beyond it, the golden hues of the field stretch toward the horizon, blending with the soft light of what feels like late afternoon or early evening. This warmth bathes the painting in a nostalgic glow, evoking the feeling of autumn’s final days before winter’s arrival.

Coffin’s work is a masterclass in contrast—natural versus man-made, vibrant life versus aged stillness, open space versus confinement. Pheasant and the Milkcan is more than just a pastoral image; it’s a reflection of the harmony between wildlife and rural traditions, a quiet moment captured in the ever-changing rhythm of the seasons.

This celebrated piece was part of the Chase Lincoln Bank Art Collection, a testament to its artistic and cultural significance. Its inclusion in the collection highlights Coffin’s ability to capture the essence of rural America in a way that resonates with both art enthusiasts and those who cherish the countryside’s simple, enduring beauty. Whether viewed as a celebration of nature or a tribute to simpler times, Pheasant and the Milkcan carries a timeless charm that lingers in the viewer’s mind.