17th C, Baroque, Hunting Scene, Attr. to Jan van Kessel (Antwerp,1626–1679), In the Style of Frans Snijders and Paul De Vos, Oil on Oak, 51,5 x 84,5 cm, Panel marked Guilliam Gabron (1609-1662), Antwerp, Framed

Hunting played an important role in the lives of princes and nobles for centuries. It was no different in the 17th century. Paintings depicting hunting scenes were hung, for example, in the hunting lodges of elites. It should be noted that the upper bourgeoisie also began to show interest in painted hunting scenes during the 17th century. In the Southern Netherlands there were a number of skilled animal painters who produced hunting scenes, including Frans Snijders, Paul De Vos, Jan Roos, Pieter Boel and Jan Fyt. Snijders knew how to render the anatomy of the animals masterfully. In addition, he managed to make his animals look intelligent. He let them express a variety of feelings. His colleague, Paul De Vos, seems to have been less familiar with animal anatomy. His animals lack a kind of individuality and psychological expression.
The panel shows a boar hunt with dogs. It was a very popular theme, portrayed by Rubens, Snijders, De Vos and others. Buyers were especially interested in the showdown between animal species. The psychological and physical strength appealed to their imagination. The painter of this little work has no solid knowledge of dog breeds. Due to a lack of insight into the bone and muscle structure of dogs, he makes them look rather stiff. Especially the heads have something naïve about them. It cannot be ruled out that the artist of this painting is Jan van Kessel. Van Kessel painted a lot of animals (mainly insects and birds), flowers and allegorical pieces.(Panel marked by Guilliam Gabron 1609-1662,Antwerp ?)