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

Peter Paul Rubens

Cleveland Museum of Art

The painting depicts a chaotic scene of a bear hunt. Two men on horseback are positioned on the left side. The man on the left wears a purple jacket and a hat; he holds a sword in his right hand. The man on the right wears a red shirt and blue pants; he holds a stick-like object in his right hand. Several dogs are attacking a large bear on the right side. A white dog and a brown and white dog are in the foreground. The bear appears to be injured and on the ground. Behind the bear, several other dogs are attacking it. In the background, two additional men on foot are holding objects. The sky is cloudy and brown. The scene is dynamic and intense, with many figures and animals in motion. The color palette is muted, with earthy tones dominating the scene. The frame around the painting is dark brown.