Robert Peake the Elder – Henry Frederick (1594–1612), Prince of Wales, with Sir John Harington (1592–1614), in the Hunting Field Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition presents a scene set within a dense woodland environment, likely intended to convey a royal hunting expedition. A young man, centrally positioned and prominently illuminated, stands with a sword held aloft, seemingly in triumph or readiness. He is clad in elaborate green and gold attire, indicative of high status and youthful vigor. To his left kneels another figure, similarly dressed but slightly less ostentatious, observing the scene with an attentive gaze.
Behind them, partially obscured by foliage, sits a young man mounted on a dark horse. The rider’s posture suggests a degree of formality and control, reinforcing the hierarchical structure inherent in the depicted event. A hunting dog lies at the foreground, its presence adding to the sense of a purposeful pursuit. A fallen deer rests near the bottom edge of the frame, marking the culmination of the hunt.
The artist employed a muted palette dominated by greens, browns, and blacks, which contributes to an atmosphere of solemnity and restrained grandeur. The light source appears to originate from above and slightly to the left, casting shadows that add depth and volume to the figures and landscape.
Beyond the literal depiction of a hunt, several subtexts emerge. The youthful appearance of the central figure suggests themes of succession and future leadership. His confident stance and the sword he wields symbolize power and authority. The presence of the kneeling man implies mentorship or guidance, possibly representing an advisor or tutor preparing the young man for his eventual role. The carefully orchestrated arrangement of figures and objects underscores a deliberate attempt to construct a narrative of royal lineage, responsibility, and the traditions associated with nobility. The fallen deer can be interpreted as a symbol of conquest and dominion over nature, further reinforcing the themes of power and control.