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Diego Velázquez, 'Philip IV hunting Wild Boar (La Tela Real)', probably 1632-7

About the work

Overview

Philip IV, King of Spain, and his entourage are hunting boar in a forest clearing. The King appears on horseback just right of centre, weapon pointed at a charging boar, accompanied by his first minister and possibly his two brothers. To the far left another boar is being attacked by a pack of dogs.

Boar hunting was an expensive activity and such events were traditionally staged to mark special occasions. A large canvas enclosure – the tela real (‘royal canvas’) – would be erected and wild boar driven into it. Queen Isabella and her companions watch from their carriages.

In the foreground, a crowd enjoys the spectacle of the hunt, though many are not paying attention: a boy in white stares towards us, three noblemen chat and a man loads up a mule.

The painting was commissioned for the King’s hunting lodge, Torre de la Parada, on the outskirts of Madrid.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Philip IV hunting Wild Boar (La Tela Real)
Artist dates
1599 - 1660
Date made
probably 1632-7
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
182 × 302 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1846
Inventory number
NG197
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Commissioners
Frame
21st-century Replica Frame

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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