The Wolf and Fox Hunt by Peter Paul Rubens
I have chosen to perform a visual analysis of a European painting titled the Wolf and Fox Hunt by Peter Paul Rubens was painted between 1615 and 1621. In this paper, I intend to explain the impression the picture makes as well as the techniques and style used by Rubens in creating this work of art. In addition to that, I will explain the purpose of the painting as well as the story Rubens was trying to promote. Rubens is considered the main artist of the painting but he had assistants helping him in his workshop (http://www.artsology.com/rubens-wolf-fox-hunt.php). No one really knows what parts of the painting was done by Rubens or his assistants. However, it is believed that the landscaping of the painting was done after the animals and people were completed (http://www.artsology.com/rubens-wolf-fox-hunt.php). There are several features that highlight the hunt such as color, texture and position of the people and animals. I will explain these details in depth.
This is an extremely large oil painting measuring 245.4 x 376.2 cm on canvas with very soft, dull, earthy colors. This painting almost looks like a real scene from a violent hunting day. However, according to an article in the New York Times titled, “Art Museum Gets A Rubens of 1617” the painting shows figures that supposed to represent the artist and his wife. Rubens created a very dramatic and tense scene using rich colors and strong diagonals, almost making it look natural. The sky looks misty almost as if it’s early morning. He creates this mood with soft light blue and white colors. Looking closely at the painting, it appears as if Rubens used soft brushes. The brushstrokes are visible on the painting more so on the tail of the horse.
There are great details to all the animals. These animals include horses, wolves, foxes and dogs. Their ferocious expressions are very convincing and appear to be of a scene from real life. It looks as if the dogs are being hunted by the wolves and foxes, possibly for food. There is so much movement and passion in the animals. Their bodily expressions and eyes reveal rage and fear. The horses appear to be excited as they only stand on their back legs. The canines on the wolves and foxes are extremely pointed and sharp. There is great detail and exaggeration to their bodies and faces. The animals lying on the ground seemed to be in agony or hurt. Rubens seemed to use a lot of shading in creating the animals and in achieving the perfect color and tones, making them look so real and intense.
There are three huntsmen with spears, one blowing on a horn. The one on the left is attacking the wolves with his spear. It appears as if the people on the horses are being attacked by the wolves and they are defending themselves as they were on a fox hunt. This is more noticeable when you look at the man dressed in red using his spear to fend off the wolf. The wolves look vicious and angry as they bite on the spear. You can see the anger in the wolf’s eyes. I wonder what will happen next. Will the man over-power the animal or will the animal over-power the man? It looks as if the wolf might be the more powerful one as he’s on his hind legs holding onto the spear defending him. In the background there is a man on a horse, who appears to be speeding away from the scene; maybe he’s trying to lure the foxes and wolves away from the others.
It is quite odd for a female to be at this scene but she represents Rubens wife, Isabella Brant (Arts Museum Gets a Ruben of 1617: “Wolf and Fox Hunt” Shows Figures Supposed to Represent Artist and Wife.” The New York Times, NY, 6 May 1910). She is draped in an ancient dress which sits off her shoulders exposing her white skin. There is a great detail to the hat she’s wearing with a long white feather hanging from the top. Her face lacks personality and expression. She shows no emotions, she looks extremely calm. Her face is round, with a pointed nose and red lips. She sits on a horse with a falcon in her hand. You can see that the man on the white horse, who represents Reuben, is trying to protect her (Arts Museum Gets A Ruben of 1617: “Wolf and Fox Hunt” Shows Figures Supposed to Represent Artist and Wife.” The New York Times, NY, 6 May 1910).
He is also dressed in ancient attire and it seems like he’s somewhat muscular looking at his broad shoulders and muscular calves. His hair has a dark brown color and he’s wearing a hat that is secured by a string under his chin. His face has an oval shape with almond looking eyes and a pointed nose. He seems more involved in what’s taking place by his facial expression. His mouth is open as if he was saying or shouting out something. He looks concerned or scared. The three people on the horses look like they are of royalty by the way they are dressed. Whereas the four men on foot fighting of the animals, they look as if they are commoners by their simple clothing. None of the animals seem to be attacking the horses or the humans at the moment. It seems to depict a specific time of the hunt, possibly at the beginning. Even though there is very little blood in the painting, the features mentioned above depicted this violent, vicious battle.
Peter Paul Rubens was a renowned painter of the 17th century. He was born in June 28, 1577 and lived until 1640. During his life time Rubens produced a number of paintings during his life time including a series of hunting scenes. Apart from the Wolf and Fox Hunt Reuben also painted other hunting scenes. These are such as The Lion Hunt 1616, Tigers and Lion Hunts1615-20, Boar Hunt 1618-20 and The Hippopotamus and Crocodile Hunt 1616. Reuben fascination with hunting scene depicts his interest to demonstrate fight between man and beast.
Rubens painting became famous because of his ability to present images of animals that other artist had no access to. During the 17th century in Europe people had limited knowledge concerning exotic animals and people. This is what gave Rubens painting their popularity. The paintings depicted unique scenes that were not common in the Europeans every day life. The Europeans were not used to viewing the exotic animals such as wolves, lions and crocodiles. The painting of these animals fascinated many audiences. Majority of the European population had also limited knowledge of existence of an exotic human community that was dependent on hunting for their livelihood.
Another message communicated by Rubens painting is that of class difference within the society. Hunting was prohibited to the common people in most part of Europe. This is a privilege was only left to the nobles and mighty. The painting depicted the noble men and women during their hunting expeditions that were not accessible to common people. The nobles also kept these exotic animals in their homes and zoos as pets. Ruben was able to gain access to these images due to his close contact with the nobles. Most of Ruben paintings were mainly order by the nobles including Wolf and Fox Hunt which was sold to the duke of Hamilton.
In conclusion, this painting illustrates high points of emotion and movement. There is great exaggeration to the animals and the features of the humans are emphasized. This painting sits on the wall at the Met Museum by itself and belongs to the European Art family. As I sat at the museum analyzing this painting, I’ve come up with varying ideas as to what Rubens was trying to promote in this painting. Maybe he wanted to paint something that was complicated and full of action and not something that revealed an actual event? I’m not quite sure.
However, I also believe the painting shows that the foxes and wolves belong to the people on the horses and the dogs belong to the men on foot. The foxes and wolves were there to hunt for food and their food were the dogs. This painting brought to life the violent nature of a hunt using techniques such as color, texture and position. By using these techniques Rubens gave this painting life without the use of gory details. This painting also lets you think and use your imagination beyond what is actually on the canvas.
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