The Bear Hunt

Artist Peter Paul Rubens and Workshop Flemish, 1577–1640

Artist Frans Snyders and Workshop Flemish, 1579–1657

Date1639–1640

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions51 1/2 x 77 1/2 in. (130.8 x 196.9 cm)
Frame: 65 x 90 1/2 in. (165.1 x 229.9 cm)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the State of North Carolina

Object number52.9.108

On View

On view

ProvenanceCommissioned by King Philip IV of Spain, 1639; created Antwerp, Flanders [present day Belgium], 1639–1640; Spanish Royal Collection, Buen Retiro Palace, Madrid, ca. 1640–before 1820; William Gordon Coesvelt (d. 1839), London [1]; [Christie’s, London, May 26–27, 1820, no. 117, as A Bear Hunt by Rubens]; Morland. Nicholas William Ridley-Colborne, 1st Baron Colborne (1779–1854), West Harling, Norfolk, England, by 1831. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon (1829–1902), 1st Baron Cranworth, Letton Hall, Norfold, England; to his wife Emily Frances Heathcote Gurdon (1850–1934), Lady Cranworth, Letton Hall, Norfolk, England; [Sotheby’s, London, May 30, 1934, no. 143, as A Bear Hunt by Rubens]; [A. L. Nicholson, London]; [Van Diemen Lilienfeld Galleries, New York]; [A. L. Nicholson, London]; Christie, Manson & Woods, London, March 12, 1948, no. 152, as A Bear Hunt by Rubens]; [A. B. Asher, London, 1948]; [David M. Koetser Gallery, New York]; sold to NCMA, 1952.

[1] Coesvelt acquired most of his paintings is Spain and Italy, in partnership with the painter Geo. A. Wallis and the dealer William Buchanan.

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