Pastoral Scene: Men Hunting Birds, Couples Seated on Ground n.d.

Bernard van Orley created this pastoral scene with pen and ink, capturing a moment of leisure and hunting. The figures are arranged in classical poses, with couples seated and men actively hunting, evoking a sense of aristocratic life. The act of hunting, a recurring motif, extends back to antiquity. It appears in Roman mosaics and medieval tapestries. Initially a symbol of survival and power, it evolved into a courtly pastime signifying status and refinement. Here, hunting is a dance of pursuit and conquest. Consider the recurring images of pursuit. The relentless chase of Apollo and Daphne transforms into a courtly dance in the gardens of Versailles. The image becomes imprinted in our collective memory. It resurfaces in the subconscious of artists across centuries, shifting in meaning, yet retaining the primal energy of the hunt. The image’s enduring presence reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols, continuously reborn in new contexts.