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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.

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