Bidspirit auction | Jan van Kessel (Antwerp, 1626–1679)

Jan van Kessel (Antwerp, 1626–1679) Attributed - Boar Hunt - Oil on panel, marked by Guilliam Gabron (Antwerp, 1609–1662). Dimensions: 51.5 x 84.5 cm. This 17th-century painting depicts a boar hunt, one of the most popular subjects among the Flemish nobility and upper bourgeoisie of the period. Hunting, an activity symbolizing prestige and power, was represented with great drama and dynamism in hunting lodges and aristocratic residences. In the Southern Netherlands, artists such as Frans Snijders, Paul De Vos, Jan Roos, Pieter Boel, and Jan Fyt excelled in this genre, imbuing the animals with strength and expressiveness. This work, attributed to Jan van Kessel, shows a group of dogs confronting a boar in the heat of battle. Although the painter demonstrates compositional sensitivity and a remarkable narrative sense, certain anatomical features of the animals, rendered in a more naive style, suggest a personal interpretation of the subject. Van Kessel, known for his still lifes with animals and insects, here applies his meticulous attention to detail and decorative flair to a subject of restrained energy and great visual appeal. A carefully crafted work of considerable historical and artistic interest within the 17th-century Flemish tradition. Provenance: private collection. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.