Oil on canvas. This early 18th-century painting combines a scene of a stag-hunt in progress with a panoramic view of Greenwich. The scene includes prominent buildings, many of which exist today within what is now the oldest Royal Park in London. At the far left is the Royal Observatory, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in 1675. The white building at the centre of the composition is the Queen’s House. Designed by Inigo Jones, construction the Queen’s House began in 1616 under James I. It was initially intended as a residence for the king’s consort, Anne of Denmark.
Hunting scenes were a common subject of British and European painting since early times. However, the genre increased in popularity from the early 18th century. Demand for such pictures reflected the popularity of sporting and related activities, especially racing, breeding and betting. Traditionally, hunting had been an activity enjoyed only by rich landowners with their own private land. During the 1700s it became more widespread and publicly accessible as subscription allowed wealthy middle and merchant classes to participate.
