PO hidtc 76 Kurt G Blüchel (1934-)

The artwork presents a scene centered around falconry, depicted with a layered composition and intricate detailing. A complex arrangement of figures and animals unfolds across a landscape that transitions from foreground fields to a distant, palatial structure.
Dominating the central plane are two mounted figures engaged in the sport. The rider closest to the viewer is dressed in elaborate attire – a red cap, richly ornamented jacket, and dark trousers – suggesting a position of considerable social standing. He holds reins firmly while observing a falcon soaring above. Beside him sits a woman in a light blue gown, her posture relaxed and observant. Her presence implies that this activity is not merely a hunt but also a display of leisure and status.
Below the mounted pair, a figure on foot tends to several falcons resting on the ground. He wears simpler clothing, hinting at a role as a servant or falconer’s assistant. A dog lies nearby, seemingly guarding the birds. The careful rendering of each animal – the musculature of the horse, the feathers of the falcons, and the posture of the dog – demonstrates considerable skill in naturalistic representation.
The upper portion of the composition is populated by additional figures engaged in various aspects of falconry: some releasing birds, others observing from a distance, and one seemingly presenting a captured quarry. The inclusion of these secondary actions reinforces the idea that this is not just a single event but an entire system of practices and rituals.
The text Chasse AV FAVCON positioned prominently above the central scene serves as a clear declaration of the subject matter. Below the image, another inscription, “La Fauconnerie en XVI,” provides contextual information regarding the historical period depicted. The ornate border framing the composition further emphasizes its ceremonial and decorative nature.
Subtly, the artwork conveys themes of hierarchy and social order. The contrast between the richly dressed rider and the servant tending to the falcons underscores a clear distinction in status. The inclusion of the woman suggests that falconry was also an activity enjoyed by the upper classes as a form of entertainment and a demonstration of refinement. The overall impression is one of controlled nature, where wild birds are trained and utilized within a structured social framework – a visual representation of power and dominion over the natural world.