On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01790
- Author
- Teniers, David (Flemish)
- Title
- The Archery Contest
- Chronology
- Ca. 1645
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 54 cm x 88 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
A group of villagers pass the time
by testing their aim with a bow.
One shoots at the target placed in
the ruins of a wall while the
others look on, standing or
sitting, and a small group
converse.
The horizontal layout of this
composition is more pronounced than
in other scenes by this painter,
which reinforces the idea of
movement in the event. Stylistic
motives like the evening light that
floods the scene and the uniform
overall tonality for the entire
work indicate that it was probably
painted around 1645.
There are numerous replicas,
versions and engravings of this
activity that was already made
popular by Pieter Brueghel “the
Elder” (Ca. 1525-1530-1569).
This work was documented in 1746 as
part of Queen Isabel de Farnesio's
collection at the La Granja Palace.
Location on the map
