On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01434
- Author
- Brueghel “the Elder”, Jan (Flemish),
- Title
- The Archdukes hunting
- Chronology
- Ca. 1611
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 135 cm x 246 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Surrounded by courtesans and
hunting servants, the governors of
the Spanish Low Countries, Archduke
Alberto and Archduchess, Isabel,
rest in the shade of a large poplar
tree during one of their hunts. One
of their favorite residences,
Mariemont Palace, near Brussels, is
visible in the background.
Brueghel offers a precise, almost
topographical rendering of the
landscape, including certain
elements that he repeats in other
works. Formally, this painting
continues the tradition of placing
the horizon very high, as was
customary in earlier Flemish
landscapes.
The political componant of this
work is very relevant. It shows the
governors exercising their right to
hunt, which was reserved for the
aristocracy, and also underlines
the lush fields of the Low
Countries.
This painting was in Madrid's
Alcázar Palace in 1636, as one of
many paintings sent from Brussels
in order to show Felipe IV how
magnificently the Archduke and
Duchess were governing.
Location on the map
