Rest on the Hunt
Artist
Abraham Hondius
(Dutch, about 1625–1691)
Date1665
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 49.1 x 64.8 cm (19 5/16 x 25 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Gustav D. Klimann
Object number1980.138
Label TextThis work depicts one of the quieter moments of the hunt, but typical of Hondius, the subject is treated with great flair and drama. His characteristically spirited brushwork conveys the joie de vivre of two amorous young hunters.
As if to indicate the success of the day, the hunter holds in his left hand a long rifle and dead bittern. An owl perched on a small cage appears at the far right. The owl was used to attract small birds, which the hunter would then kill or capture. As proof of the success of this technique, a large string of dead birds hangs beneath the cage, while several more fly about inside. Those inside the cage would probably have been kept as songsters and the others were to be eaten.
In this painting the theme of the hunt takes on erotic connotations. The Dutch word for fowling (vogelen) was a popular expression during the 1600s for sexual intercourse. Surely the double meaning would not have gone unnoticed in this painting in which the man holds a large bird in one hand and with other grasps the voluptuous young woman.ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Gustav D. Klimann, Beverly MAOn View
On view
