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Starting for the Chase by Philips Wouwerman

Philips Wouwerman · 1660-01-01

In Philips Wouwerman’s 1660 painting, *Starting for the Chase*, a detailed narrative unfolds. Known for his captivating equestrian scenes, Wouwerman, a prolific Dutch Golden Age painter, masterfully depicts a lively party setting out from a grand villa.

At first glance, the eye is drawn to the elegant woman on a white horse, leading what appears to be a hunting or social expedition. Yet, a closer look reveals a subtle, poignant detail: a small child sitting alone on a stone wall, quietly observing the departure.

This oil on canvas, held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, showcases Wouwerman's skill in blending action with quiet observation. The child's presence adds a layer of everyday life to the grandeur of the scene, a reminder that even in bustling moments, there are those who simply watch. What do you think the child is thinking as the party rides away?

Details

A woman on a white horse leads a party from a villa.
A woman on a white horse leads a party from a villa.
Look closely at the stone wall where the stairs begin.
Look closely at the stone wall where the stairs begin.
The horse's alert stance and the rich saddle blanket draw attention, indicating its importance.
The horse's alert stance and the rich saddle blanket draw attention, indicating its importance.
Transcript

This painter was famous for his scenes of horses. A woman on a white horse leads a party from a villa. The party is starting for the chase, perhaps a hunt. Look closely at the stone wall where the stairs begin. A small child sits alone, watching the procession. This quiet detail suggests the scene's everyday life.