Hunting to Hounds 1634 - 1668

Philips Wouwerman, a Dutch painter, created this painting, "Hunting to Hounds," in the mid-17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. Wouwerman specialized in equestrian scenes, often depicting the leisure activities of the wealthy. Hunting, as shown here, was a popular aristocratic pursuit, and Wouwerman's paintings offered a glimpse into the life of the upper class. This work is an example of genre painting, which grew in popularity at this time due to the rise of a wealthy merchant class who were eager to display imagery that reflected their values and status. The landscape here is ordered and tranquil, reflecting the cultural values of the time and reminding us that even the presentation of nature is subject to institutional forces. By studying paintings like this alongside archival documents we can better understand the social and economic structures that shaped Dutch society in the 17th century.