Jongen met valk 1848 - 1862

"Jongen met valk" (Boy with a Falcon), created between 1848 and 1862 by French artist Célestin Nanteuil (1813-1873), showcases a young man in a picturesque setting. The artwork depicts a young boy in a dark outfit holding a falcon, suggesting a connection to falconry, a traditional hunting practice. The presence of greenery and a stone structure in the background creates a harmonious balance between the subject and his environment. Nanteuil, known for his skillful renderings of figures and landscapes, masterfully captures the detail in this piece. The subject's focused gaze towards the bird and the overall composition creates a sense of stillness and contemplation. The artwork's style reflects the Romantic era, where artists sought to depict nature and emotion through detailed and idealized representations.