Trophies of the Hunt 1862

Claude Monet made this painting, "Trophies of the Hunt," with oil on canvas. It depicts dead game, hunting weapons, and a hunting dog. In 19th-century France, hunting was a leisure activity strongly associated with wealth and aristocracy. Images of game served to affirm the social standing of the patron. Monet made this painting at around the age of 20, and it is quite different from the works he would later become famous for. Its sombre tones and carefully arranged objects place the work firmly in the tradition of still life painting that was popular at the time. The dog in the corner, looking longingly at the dead animals, is a sentimental touch designed to appeal to a particular audience. We can see this as an early attempt to appeal to conservative tastes. Later in his career, Monet became famous for his landscapes which, in their focus on nature and the experience of modern life, were much more radical. To understand this painting better, we can look at popular imagery from the time. We can also examine the patronage system that shaped what kinds of art were made, displayed, and valued.