Artwork
The Bear Hunt
The Bear Hunt is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist David de Coninck. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
Subtle tonal gradations model the animal’s fur, while the surrounding foliage is suggested through loose, impressionistic strokes.
The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a medium that allows for richly layered brushwork and deep chiaroscuro. The composition emphasizes a dynamic diagonal thrust, with the central bear rendered in a naturalistic yet vigorous style that captures both anatomical accuracy and expressive movement. Subtle tonal gradations model the animal’s fur, while the surrounding foliage is suggested through loose, impressionistic strokes.
The work’s handling of light and shadow enhances the sense of depth, contributing to a compositional balance that integrates foreground action with a softly receding background.
History & Provenance
The Bear Hunt, an oil painting on canvas by David de Coninck dated 1675, is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. According to the Wikidata record, its location is the Rijksmuseum, and the work measures 190 cm in height by 186 cm in width. No specific accession number or detailed exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.
The painting is classified as part of the museum's holdings in animal art, consistent with its subject matter. Beyond its identification within the Rijksmuseum collection, the available sources do not provide further documentation of exhibition venues, loan history, or cataloging details.
Overview
The Bear Hunt is a 17th-century oil painting by David de Coninck, a Flemish artist known for his animal and hunting scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dramatic scene in a wooded area, where a man is threatened by a bear, accompanied by a dog and a tiger. The man's frightened expression and outstretched arm convey a sense of urgency and danger.
Context
The painting is characteristic of the Flemish Baroque style, known for its detailed naturalism and dramatic compositions.
Artist & collection
Artist
David de Coninck or David de Koninck, also known as Rammelaer (ca. 1644, Antwerp – after 1701, probably Brussels) was a Flemish painter who specialised in still lifes and landscapes with animals and hunting scenes.…
