Falcon hunting by Denys van Asloot, flanders early 17th century

Falcon hunting , oil on wood panel , size 64 cm x 50.5 cm , with its antique gilded and carved wood frame decorated with laurel friezes 82 cm x 68 cm , by Denys van Asloot , Flanders early 17th century
Introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages, this activity, practiced on horseback by both men and women, was reserved exclusively for the King and members of the aristocracy from 1392 onwards. It peaked at the time of Louis XIII and declined thereafter. Our painting is a fine illustration of this practice.
Denys van Asloot was born in Mechelen in 1570 and died in Brussels in 1626. He was a painter, draughtsman and tapestry designer, known for his mythological and genre subjects, religious compositions, hunting scenes and landscapes.