On the wolf with the hounds Alexey Stepanov (1858-1923)

The composition presents a dynamic scene unfolding across a sloping landscape. A rider on horseback dominates the upper portion of the canvas, positioned slightly off-center and facing towards the left. The figure is clad in hunting attire, suggesting a purposeful pursuit. The horse itself appears agitated, its posture conveying a sense of urgency and forward momentum.
Below the rider, a pack of hounds surges across the foreground, their bodies rendered with energetic brushstrokes that capture their movement. Their varied expressions – some appearing to bay, others focused intently on their quarry – contribute to the overall feeling of intense activity. The artist has skillfully used color to differentiate the dogs; warm browns and oranges contrast with patches of white and black, creating visual interest within the group.
The focal point of the scene is a grey wolf, depicted mid-leap in the lower center of the painting. Its posture communicates both desperation and power. The animal’s gaze is directed downwards, suggesting an awareness of its precarious situation. The ground beneath it is rendered with loose brushwork, emphasizing the uneven terrain and adding to the sense of chaotic motion.
The background consists of a dense forest, painted in muted tones of green and brown. A few trees are highlighted with touches of yellow and orange, hinting at autumnal foliage. This backdrop provides depth to the scene while also contributing to an atmosphere of wildness and isolation.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of human dominance over nature. The rider, elevated on his horse, embodies control and mastery. The hounds, bred for this purpose, act as instruments in that dominion. The wolf, however, is not simply a victim; its powerful form and determined leap suggest a struggle against these forces. This tension between hunter and hunted, civilization and wilderness, creates a complex narrative within the work. Furthermore, the muted color palette and overcast sky evoke a sense of melancholy or foreboding, hinting at the potential consequences of such an encounter – both for the wolf and perhaps for those who pursue it.