Philips, Hunting Scene, 1700s, Paper

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Persian Hunting Scene – 18th-Century Engraving of Archery and Game by J.C. Philips, 1754 This dynamic and finely detailed 18th-century … Read more Persian Hunting Scene – 18th-Century Engraving of Archery and Game by J.C. Philips, 1754 This dynamic and finely detailed 18th-century engraving, titled De Manier van Jagen der Persianen (“The Manner of Hunting of the Persians”), captures an animated hunting scene in a forested Persian landscape. At the heart of the image, horsemen gallop through wooded terrain, releasing arrows from their bows at fleeing game. Other hunters on foot and horseback engage in the pursuit of deer and smaller animals, creating a rich tableau of coordinated movement and strategy. Engraved after a drawing by Jan Caspar Philips in 1754, this print was part of a Dutch geographical and ethnographic publication designed to document foreign customs and landscapes. Philips was a notable illustrator and engraver known for his work in travel literature and cultural documentation. His depiction here is not only illustrative of Persian hunting traditions but also composed with a strong sense of theatrical and narrative balance. The woodland setting is intricately etched, with densely layered foliage and rhythmic arrangements of trees framing the central action. At the lower right, felled game—including a large stag and a hare—suggests the hunt’s success. The archer on the left, dramatically posed mid-shot on a rearing horse, commands the viewer’s attention, symbolizing the skill and elegance attributed to Persian mounted archery. This engraving offers valuable historical and cultural insight into leisure and noble traditions in Persia. It is ideal for collectors interested in ethnographic art, 18th-century equestrian prints, and the visual culture of hunting. Condition: Very good condition with a clear, sharp impression. Some vertical creasing along the original fold line and faint toning near the margins. No tears or staining, clean and well-preserved. Framing tips: A dark walnut or aged gold frame paired with a moss-green or warm beige mat will enhance the woodland tones and bring focus to the central hunting figures. Technique: Copper engraving Maker: J.C. Philips, Amsterdam, 1754 See less