Who painted Picnic after the Hunt?

Picnic after the Hunt was painted by Nicolas Lancret in probably c. 1735/1740.

Where can I see Picnic after the Hunt?

Picnic after the Hunt is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Picnic after the Hunt?

Picnic after the Hunt is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Picnic after the Hunt?

Museum-quality prints of Picnic after the Hunt are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Picnic after the Hunt by Nicolas Lancret (probably c. 1735/1740)

About this work

Technique & Style

The painting dates to approximately 1735 or 1740, a period when the artist was active in creating scenes of leisure.

Executed in oil on canvas, this work measures 61.5 by 74.8 centimeters. The painting dates to approximately 1735 or 1740, a period when the artist was active in creating scenes of leisure. While the specific brushwork and surface condition are not detailed in the available records, the medium and support are standard for French eighteenth-century easel paintings.

The physical object bears historical labels from the imperial Hohenzollern collection on a removed backing board, indicating its long-term preservation within royal and institutional holdings before entering its current museum home.

History & Provenance

The painting titled Picnic after the Hunt was created by Nicolas Lancret around 1735 to 1740. It was originally owned by Friedrich II, King of Prussia, and remained in the Hohenzollern imperial collection through successive ownership, passing to Kaiser Wilhelm II. The work was sold in 1923 by Wildenstein & Co. to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation in December 1946, and subsequently gifted to the National Gallery of Art in 1952.

Earlier documentation includes its mention in Matthieu Österreich's 1773 inventory and identification through imperial catalog numbers from the late 19th century.

The painting is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It bears the inventory number 1952.1.1 as recorded in the Samuel H. Kress Collection, and was acquired by the museum through a gift from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation in 1952. Prior to its acquisition, the work passed through the ownership of Friedrich II, King of Prussia, and later Kaiser Wilhelm II, before being sold to Wildenstein & Co. in 1923 and then purchased in December 1946 by the Kress Foundation. It was exhibited in the National Gallery of Art as part of the Kress Collection, with documentation of its inclusion in the Generalkatalog of the imperial collection under inventory number GK 1 5299 and referenced in an 1773 description of the Sans-Souci and Potsdam palaces.

The painting has been part of the National Gallery of Art's permanent holdings since its donation in 1952.

Overview

Created circa 1738, Picnic after the Hunt is an oil on canvas by French painter Nicolas Lancret. Executed in the Rococo idiom, the work illustrates a relaxed, aristocratic outing in a pastoral setting, reflecting the leisurely pursuits of the French elite during the early reign of Louis XV.

Subject & Meaning

The composition gathers a group of elegantly dressed men and women around a tree, some seated on the grass, others strolling. A gentleman holds a leashed dog, suggesting the recent conclusion of a hunt. The scene celebrates the social ritual of post‑hunt picnics, emphasizing refinement, camaraderie, and the pleasure of nature.

Context

In the early 1730s, French aristocracy embraced outdoor leisure activities such as hunting and picnicking, a trend reflected in contemporary literature and visual arts. Lancret’s depiction aligns with this cultural moment, offering a visual counterpart to the period’s emphasis on elegance, etiquette, and the enjoyment of the countryside.