Dinner after the hunt Jacques De LaJoüe (1687-1761)

The composition presents a scene of revelry following what appears to be a successful hunting expedition. A group of elegantly dressed individuals are gathered around a lavishly spread table in a woodland setting. The arrangement is not casual; its carefully orchestrated, suggesting an intentional display of wealth and leisure.
Here we see a central tableau dominated by the dining party. They are seated on a white cloth laid directly upon the ground, surrounded by scattered game – birds, rabbits, and other fowl – and discarded hunting paraphernalia. The figures exhibit varying degrees of engagement; some converse animatedly, others partake in food and drink with evident enjoyment, while still others seem to observe the scene with detached amusement. Their attire is elaborate, indicative of a high social standing. The men are clad in richly colored coats and breeches, while the women wear flowing gowns adorned with delicate details.
Behind the group, a monumental sculpture – a reclining female figure atop an ornate pedestal – looms over the gathering. This element introduces a layer of classical allusion, hinting at ideals of beauty and refinement that contrast subtly with the rustic setting and boisterous atmosphere of the hunt. The statue’s presence elevates the scene beyond mere celebration; it suggests a deliberate attempt to associate the group with notions of cultural sophistication.
The landscape itself is rendered in a manner that emphasizes both abundance and enclosure. Dense foliage frames the scene, creating a sense of intimacy while simultaneously suggesting a secluded retreat from the outside world. A glimpse of open water can be seen through the trees on the right side, hinting at further possibilities for recreation and indulgence. The dogs, scattered throughout the foreground, add to the overall impression of unrestrained enjoyment and a connection with nature – albeit one that is carefully controlled and curated.
Subtly embedded within this seemingly celebratory scene are undertones of excess and potential decadence. The sheer volume of food and drink, the elaborate attire, and the detached amusement displayed by some figures suggest a detachment from more practical concerns. The juxtaposition of the hunt’s violence – implied by the scattered game – with the refined elegance of the gathering creates a tension that invites reflection on the complexities of aristocratic life during this period. It is not merely a depiction of pleasure; its an exploration of its implications and potential contradictions.