Study for "The Bear Hunt" (for the Alcázar, Madrid)

Peter Paul Rubens created a study for “The Bear Hunt” around c. 1639. It is rendered in oil on wood. The painting was intended for the Alcázar in Madrid.

The scene is dynamic with figures and animals in motion. Rubens often depicted such energetic compositions in his work.

Rubens was knighted by both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. He combined his artistic career with diplomatic missions across Europe.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, https://clevelandart.org/art/1983.69