Artwork
Hunting with falcons
Hunting with falcons is an oil painting by January Suchodolski. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Jan Suchodolski, a Polish painter who also served as an army officer, completed the oil work *Hunting with Falcons* in 1849. The canvas, now part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings, presents a lively hunting tableau set against a gently rolling countryside.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows several riders traversing a rural landscape, one figure prominently clutching a trained falcon. Attired in period dress, the central rider wears a vivid red coat and a feather‑adorned hat, emphasizing his role within the hunt and drawing the eye amid the more subdued surroundings.
Technique & Style
Suchodolski employs a palette that balances warm reds with cooler earth tones, allowing the central figure to dominate the visual field. Visible brushwork creates a textured surface, while the handling of oil paint suggests a layered approach that captures both the atmospheric background and the immediacy of the figures.
History & Provenance
A member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, Suchodolski frequently painted military and hunting subjects, reflecting his personal experience. After its creation, the painting entered the collection of Warsaw’s National Museum, where it remains accessible to the public.
Artist & collection
Artist
January Suchodolski (Polish: ; 19 September 1797 – 20 March 1875) was a Polish painter and Army officer, and a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts.
