The painting “Fox with Pheasant” by Johann Wenzel Peter fits fully within the tradition of animal painting between the 18th and 19th centuries, a field in which the artist distinguished himself through an extraordinary attention to naturalistic detail. Active between Vienna and Rome, Peter is known above all for his depictions of animals, often set within landscapes constructed with rigour and sensitivity to light.
In this work, in fact, the scene is dominated by a fox captured in the act of predation, while holding a pheasant it has just caught. However, what makes the painting particularly interesting is its narrative construction: around the main figure is a small group of cubs, an element that introduces an almost familial dimension and at the same time emphasizes the natural and instinctive character of the scene.
Furthermore, the rendering of the animals’ fur and the pheasant’s plumage highlights remarkable technical skill. The brushstrokes are precise and descriptive, effectively conveying the different material qualities. Likewise, the landscape in the background, constructed with depth and careful attention to the vegetation, contributes to creating a credible and coherent setting.
On the other hand, works of this type reflect the Enlightenment interest in nature and its direct observation, a central theme in Peter’s production. Overall, “Fox with Pheasant” therefore represents a significant example of his ability to combine scientific rigour and painterly sensitivity, offering a scene of strong visual impact while at the same time grounded in careful observation of reality.
Description: Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, 123×127 cm.
Hammer Price: € 4.500,10
Auction 2 – April 5th 2014 – Paintings, works of art, furniture and antique drawings
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