The Eagle Hunter Gm-36717301

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Francisco de Goya) (Spanish, 1746–1828) In this drawing, bold line work, various gradations of wash, and striking use of the reserve compellingly render eagle hunting as a brutal and slightly comic task. The hunter precariously dangles from a precipice by a thin rope taut around his waist. Only a metal cooking pot on his head and padded trousers protect him from the sharp beaks of the eaglets and the rugged cliff. Hovering in midair while attempting to pluck the young birds from a nest tucked into a crevice, the eagle hunter remains completely unaware of his impending doom. With sharp talons outstretched, a large adult eagle is about to return to the nest with a hapless rabbit in its beak. The open wicker basket that insecurely hangs from the hunter’s waist and holds an eaglet further points to the futility of this act. The scene could very well be an illustration of the proverb: He who would take will himself be taken. Goya drew the proposed composition with common writing ink on inexpensive Spanish paper—materials that the artist was forced to use during the Napoleonic invasion of Spain. Like his subject matter, the drawing medium and support themselves bear the imprint of desperation. Originally part of Goya’s Images of Spain Album (Album F) (see below), this sheet is a highly personal rumination that is not related to further work in any direct sense.

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Our Antiqued Museum Frame in Gold is a high-quality frame made of solid wood, featuring traditional 19th-century cast plaster moulded details and closed corners. These frames are works of art in themselves, each with a unique patina. The hand-rubbed corners and gold finish evoke the elegance of times past. Your selected image is printed on German art paper with archival inks and mounted to quality art board within the frame. Plexiglass is added for print protection and the back is covered with Kraft paper and a hanger is supplied ready to hang..

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Artwork in this collection is from The J. Paul Getty Museum. Reproduction rights are reserved by the copyright owner and used under license by Archivea GmbH.