The Death of the Stag Signed and dated 1737
Oil on canvas | 198.1 x 200.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 407815
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John Wootton, one of the earliest native English painters, was extensively patronised by the Royal family during the reign of George II: Queen Caroline visited his studio in 1732, by which time he was already working for her son, Frederick, Prince of Wales. This is one of a pair of hunting scenes (OM 545-6, 407814-5); each bears the date 1737 and cost 100 guineas in 1738; the frames may be those for which John Boson was paid in 1739. The pair was seen hanging in the gallery at the White House at Kew in 1763 by William Chambers who listed the courtiers in the company of Frederick, Prince of Wales. Based on the names he mentions this scene at the kill of a stag would seem to represent (from left to right): Colonel Bloodworth, Master of the Prince’s horse (in the uniform of a Ranger of the Great Park, on horseback slightly to the right of centre); the Prince of Wales himself (in his livery worn by all his retinue except for the two Park Rangers); John Spencer (1708-46, Ranger of Windsor Great Park in the uniform of this office and moving to put the stag out of its misery); Charles Calvert, Lord Baltimore (1699-1751, Gentleman of the Bedchamber); Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough (1706-58, Lord Steward of the Prince’s Household); William Villiers, 3rd Earl of Jersey (d. 1769, Lord of the Bedchamber); Henry Herbert, 1st Earl of Powis (1703-72, Treasurer to the Prince). The stag hunt is in progress, the stag far left being brought down by dogs by a pond; in the background is a distant view of Windsor Castle.
Provenance
Painted for Frederick, Prince of Wales; listed by William Chambers in the Gallery at Kew Palace in 1763; on the Staircase at Kew in 1805 (no 3) and 1828 (no 1168)
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
198.1 x 200.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
Category
Object type(s)