Artwork
The hunter
The hunter is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Adriaen Cornelisz Beeldemaker. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The Hunter is a 1653 oil painting by Dutch artist Adriaen Cornelisz Beeldemaker, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection. The scene depicts a hunter and his five dogs on a hillside, emphasizing the relationship between the hunter and his animals.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a hunter in a red coat and wide-brimmed hat, accompanied by three small and two larger dogs, all alert and some adorned with collared metal tags. Though no prey is visible, the composition clearly conveys a hunting theme, with the artist's attention to the dogs' fur and expressions making them appear lifelike.
Technique & Style
Beeldemaker utilized chiaroscuro to create depth, employing strong contrasts of light and shadow. This is evident in the interplay between the brightly lit sky with fluffy clouds and the shaded areas of the hillside, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1653, The Hunter is attributed to Adriaen Cornelisz Beeldemaker. The work is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, as part of its permanent collection.
Context
As a genre scene, The Hunter reflects 17th-century Dutch interests in everyday life and outdoor activities. The detailed portrayal of dogs also aligns with the period's appreciation for animal studies in art.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of The Hunter are not prominently noted, its preservation in the Rijksmuseum suggests its value as a representative of 17th-century Dutch genre painting and Beeldemaker's oeuvre.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen Cornelisz Beeldemaker (1618–1709) was an artist, born in Rotterdam.
