On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02856
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- Hunting with a Decoy
- Chronology
- 1775
- Technique
- Óleo
- Support
- Lienzo
- Measures
- 112 cm x 179 cm
- School
- Española
- Theme
- Género y sociedad
- On display
- Yes
- Procedence
- Entregado a la Real Fábrica de Tapices de Santa Bárbara, Madrid, el 24 de mayo de 1775. Transferido entre 1856-1857 al Palacio Real de Madrid (sótanos del oficio de tapicería). Ingresó en el Museo del Prado por reales órdenes del 18.1 y 9.2 de 1870, pero se depositó en el Ministerio de Hacienda hasta que fue devuelto al Prado por R. O. de 30.5.1983.
This is a hunting stand with two caged birds as decoys, a crouching dog, and a net on the tree that frames the group.
The study of the birds and dog, as well as the bush in the foreground, reveal Goya's interest in flora and fauna, which he paints with precision. The mitte owl, a nocturnal bird, is quite similar to the owl Goya used in his drawings and etchings as a personification of evil forces. Here its appearance is more that of a stuffed animal than of a study from nature.
This cartoon was for one of the tapestries intended to hang above a door in the dining room of the Prince and Princess of Asturias at El Escorial.
















