The Bear Hunt by Paulus Potter

Paulus Potter's The Bear Hunt, painted around 1650, shows a violent confrontation between a bear, hunting dogs, and a mounted man. The artist, known for his animal subjects, died young at 28. Despite his talent, his works often sold for very little during his lifetime.

Notice the visceral depiction of the bear's snarl and the aggressive action of the hounds attacking its flank. Potter's low viewpoint draws us directly into the intense struggle.

Potter produced about 100 paintings, a remarkable output for his short life. However, the market for his work was not strong, and even significant pieces like The Bear Hunt were sold for modest sums. This painting is now housed in the State Hermitage Museum.

It's a stark reminder that artistic genius doesn't always equate to financial success.