2-889-333 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Boar-Hunt - painted by Rubens - from the Gallery of the late King of Holland, 1850. 'This magnificent picture was formerly in the gallery of the late King of Holland, at the Hague, disposed of by auction in August last. It represents a forest at day-break; the brilliancy of the rising sun brings out the forms of the trees with fine effect. A boar, pursued by two cavaliers, is furiously advancing; a throng of armed peasants, partly screened by an uprooted tree, are rushing to the onslaught with their spears, and the dogs are attacking in every direction. Other cavaliers and peasants, with dogs, form several groups in the picture, which, as a composition, possesses high merit, and is painted in the artist's best manner. Rubens's hunting-pieces, it will be recollected, rank among his finest works. The struggle and energy of the incident of this picture are most vividly depicted'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.