After Bernaert van Orley – The Month of September Part 2 Louvre

The composition presents a scene unfolding along the edge of a large body of water, likely a lake or wide river. A dense forest flanks the left side and recedes into the background on the right, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. The horizon line is relatively low, emphasizing the expanse of the water and sky above.
Here we see a group of figures engaged in what appears to be a hunt. Several men are mounted on horses, their attire suggesting nobility or high social standing; they wear elaborate garments with rich colors – crimson, gold, and white – and ornate helmets. A hunting party is depicted near the waters edge, accompanied by several hounds. One man kneels, seemingly releasing a dog into the water to pursue game. Other figures are shown wading in the shallows, possibly retrieving birds or other waterfowl.
In the distance, across the water, a substantial building with multiple towers and architectural details is visible. Its presence suggests a castle or manor house, potentially indicating the location of the hunts patrons or destination. Above this structure, within a circular cartouche, two swans are depicted in flight, adding an element of symbolic grace to the scene.
The overall impression is one of controlled leisure and aristocratic display. The meticulous detail given to the clothing, horses, and hounds underscores the importance of status and refinement. The presence of the hunt itself signifies power over nature and a demonstration of skill and dominance.
Subtleties within the composition hint at deeper meanings. The swans, often associated with fidelity and grace, could represent ideals of courtly love or virtuous conduct. The contrast between the active hunting scene in the foreground and the serene landscape in the background might suggest a tension between human intervention and natural harmony. The elaborate border framing the scene reinforces its status as an object of luxury and refinement, intended for display within a wealthy household.