Who painted The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August)?

The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August) was painted by Bernard Van Orley in 1528/1530.

Where can I see The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August)?

The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August)?

The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August) is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August)?

Museum-quality prints of The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August)

Bernard Van Orley , 1529

The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August) is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Bernard Van Orley. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, upper right verso in pen and brown ink: no. 7 / de Steenput; by later hand, lower center verso in pen and brown ink: Ex. coll. H. Hamal Leod:

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Created in 1528 by Bernard van Orley, the work illustrates the August segment of the Hunts of Maximilian series, focusing on the pursuit of stag.

The drawing depicts a specific hunting scene set in the landscape of Dworp along the Steenputbeek stream. Created in 1528 by Bernard van Orley, the work illustrates the August segment of the Hunts of Maximilian series, focusing on the pursuit of stag. While the image captures the physical action of the hunt within a defined geographical location, the provided sources do not elaborate on deeper symbolic meanings, allegorical interpretations, or the broader iconographic program beyond the depiction of the location and the activity itself.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1528, this drawing utilizes a complex layering of media on laid paper. The artist began with black chalk underdrawing, over which pen and brown ink were applied to define forms. Brown wash and watercolor were subsequently added to create tonal variation and depth.

The sheet measures 38.8 cm in height and 56.8 cm in width. Stylistically, the work functions as a detailed preparatory study, capturing specific topographical features such as the Steenputbeek stream and the locale of Dworp within a dynamic hunting scene. The combination of precise ink lines with fluid washes demonstrates a mastery of both linear definition and atmospheric modeling typical of the period.

History & Provenance

The Stag Hunt (August) was created in 1528 by Bernard van Orley as a pen drawing with brown ink, brown wash, and watercolor over black chalk on laid paper. Its early ownership began with Rev. Canon Henry Hamal of Liège, who sold the work in Paris in January 1805. The drawing later passed through a private French collection, was auctioned by Druot in November 1996, and was subsequently acquired by W.M. Brady Co. before being purchased by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in 1997 using funds from the Brown Foundation.

Context

The Stag Hunt (August), a 1528 drawing by Bernard van Orley, was acquired by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in 1997 using funds from the Brown Foundation. It entered the collection through a private sale in Paris in 1996, previously owned by Rev. Canon Henry Hamal of Liège, who sold it in 1805.

Overview

Created in 1529, The Hunts of Maximilian: The Stag Hunt (August) is a drawing by Brussels‑based Flemish artist Bernard van Orley. Executed on laid paper, the work combines pen, brown ink, brown wash, watercolor and black chalk to render a lively hunting scene.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Bernard Van Orley

Bernard van Orley (between 1487 and 1491 – 6 January 1541), also called Barend or Barent van Orley, Bernaert van Orley or Barend van Brussel, was a versatile Flemish artist and representative of Dutch and Flemish…