Arkivism
Hunter’s Bag on a Terrace
Public domain

Hunter’s Bag on a Terrace

Melchior d' Hondecoeter · c. 1678 · canvas; oil paint (paint)

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Together, the two paintings hanging side by side here tell a story. In this one, a magnificent peacock wants to be king of the birds. Meanwhile, the magpie taking centre stage in the other painting voices its objection. The point is that being a worthy ruler is not solely about attractive appearances: he must be able to defend his people. Here, the right king is already present, symbolized by an orange: William III of Orange.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
paintingornamental birds: peacockgarden vase
Credit lineHunter’s Bag on a Terrace. c. 1678. Melchior d' Hondecoeter. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
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