The Hunter’s Present
Painter: Gabriël Metsu
Year:
-
Medium: oil on canvas
Description: This woman, engaged in handiwork, ponders a romantic proposition. She looks thoughtfully at the bird presented to her by a hopeful hunter. In the 17th century, ‘birding’ was a euphemism for making love. Hence, the statuette of Cupid, the god of love,
graces the cupboard. Caught between faith and pleasure, she hesitates – her eyes on the fowl, yet reaches for the prayer book on the table.
