Jacht op fazanten c. 1882

Charles Verlat made this etching of a hunting dog and pheasants, titled ‘Jacht op fazanten’, or ‘Hunting Pheasants’. Produced in the late 19th century, this work taps into a long tradition in European art: the depiction of hunting scenes as emblems of aristocratic power and leisure. Images like these often served to reinforce social hierarchies. Hunting was a privilege, closely tied to land ownership and, by extension, political control. Verlat, who came from Belgium, made several hunting-themed artworks. The composition here is fairly simple. A speckled hunting dog intently stares at the two pheasants. The setting is rural, suggested by the grassy field and sparse vegetation. While seemingly innocuous, the image speaks to deeper cultural values. The act of hunting embodies the relationship between humans and the natural world, and it also highlights issues of access and control over resources. To understand this image more fully, we might look at hunting laws in 19th century Europe, or study the patronage networks that sustained artists like Verlat. By examining the social and institutional context, we can gain valuable insights into the politics of imagery.