A Forest at Dawn with a Deer Hunt

About this artwork

Peter Paul Rubens, the preeminent Flemish Baroque master, captures the thrill of a deer hunt in *A Forest at Dawn with Deer Hunt* (ca. 1635). This oil on wood panel measuring 24¼ × 35½ inches, depicts a lush forest bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn, hunters on horseback pursue their prey amid dense foliage. Painted during Rubens' later career, when he increasingly turned to landscapes inspired by his countryside estate near Antwerp, the work reflects his passion for the natural world and aristocratic pursuits like hunting. Rubens' dynamic Baroque style shines through in the swirling energy of the composition, with vigorous brushwork conveying motion and depth. The oil medium on wood—often used for his preparatory oil sketches—allows for rich, textured impasto that heightens the drama of dappled light filtering through trees and the deer's desperate flight. Hunting scenes like this held cultural prestige in 17th-century Europe, symbolizing nobility, virility, and harmony with nature, while showcasing Rubens' mastery of atmospheric effects. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1990 through generous gifts, this vibrant panel invites visitors to step into a fleeting moment of wilderness excitement, embodying Rubens' exuberant vision of life’s raw vitality.