Artwork
Hunting Trophies
Hunting Trophies is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Melchior d' Hondecoeter. It dates from 1692 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting Hunting Trophies depicts a curated display of game birds and a rifle, symbolizing wealth and the owner's prowess in the hunt.
The painting Hunting Trophies depicts a curated display of game birds and a rifle, symbolizing wealth and the owner's prowess in the hunt. A dog appears at the foot of the composition, adding a companionable presence that reinforces the celebratory tone of the still life. The arrangement of trophies functions as a visual record of successful hunts, reflecting the owner's status and the cultural value placed on hunting prowess in late 17th‑century Dutch society. The work is housed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
Technique & Style
Melchior d'Hondecoeter's Hunting Trophies, executed in 1682, is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 167 cm in height and 149.5 cm in width. As a still life, the composition formally arranges game, a rifle, and a dog, utilizing the oil medium to depict these hunting-related subjects. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
Overview
Created in 1692, Hunting Trophies is an oil on canvas by Dutch painter Melchior d'Hondecoeter. The work belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is presently part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection. It presents a still‑life arrangement of game and hunting equipment rendered with the artist’s characteristic attention to detail.
History & Provenance
Born in Utrecht and active in Amsterdam, d'Hondecoeter was known for his bird paintings. Hunting Trophies remained in private hands before entering the State Hermitage Museum, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s Dutch Golden Age holdings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Melchior d'Hondecoeter (Dutch pronunciation:; c. 1636 – 3 April 1695), Dutch animalier painter, was born in Utrecht and died in Amsterdam. After the start of his career, he painted virtually exclusively bird subjects,…
