The Start of the Hunt

Art Historical Context

"The Start of the Hunt," an oil on canvas painting from around 1800 by an anonymous American artist of the early 19th century, the excitement of a traditional pursuit in rural America. Measuring nearly 3 by 5 feet, this substantial work evokes the equestrian energy of a fox hunt or similar chase, a popular subject reflecting the leisure activities of the gentry and the rhythms of countryside life during the young nation's Federal period. Oil on canvas was the premier medium for such narrative scenes, allowing for rich colors and dynamic compositions that brought motion to static surfaces. As a prime example of early American folk art, the painting highlights the self-taught ingenuity of regional artists who blended European traditions with distinctly American vigor. Donated to the National Gallery of Art by collectors Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch—renowned for their passion for folk masterpieces—it resides in the museum's American art collection. This generous gift underscores the cultural value of these works, preserving glimpses of everyday heroism and nature's thrill for future generations. Visitors will appreciate its lively spirit, a window into a time when hunting symbolized adventure and community.

About the Artist

American 19th Century · 1800–1900

The artist cataloged as "American, 19th Century" represents a collective of unidentified painters active in the United States during the nineteenth century, with 380 known artworks preserved in this virtual museum's collection. These works span a diverse array of genres typical of the era, including portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and genre scenes, reflecting the burgeoning artistic output of ...