Charles Henry Schwanfelder (1774-1837) Duck Shooting, 19th century Oil on Canvas
Hunting waterfowl for sport has its origins in the UK in the 17th century, and was popular amongst the aristocratic classes. The foregrounding of the birds highlights the scale and beauty of them, with the hunters and dog shown in the background, ably shooting their prey. Such paintings would be commissioned to highlight the control over nature and the fertile lands that the shooters were hunting on. The artist, Charles Henry Schwanfelder, was appointed animal painter to George III and George IV. Artists specialising in animal ‘portraits’ were in high demand.