Domingo Marqués, Francisco – Un alto en la montería Part 3 Prado Museum

The canvas presents a scene of momentary respite during what appears to be a hunt. Here we observe a group of figures and their mounts gathered in a clearing within a dense woodland setting. The composition is dominated by the foliage; towering trees with lush, dark green leaves form a canopy overhead, punctuated by patches of sky visible through gaps in the branches. Light filters down, illuminating sections of the ground and highlighting the horses.
The foreground features two horses, one a pale grey and the other a rich chestnut brown, both saddled and bridled. They stand relatively still, suggesting a pause in their activity. Behind them, a cluster of figures – men dressed in hunting attire – are arranged around what seems to be a central point of conversation or assessment. A pack of hounds is present, some lying down while others appear alert, noses raised as if picking up a scent.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, prioritizing the impression of light and atmosphere over precise detail. The application of paint is visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The color palette is dominated by greens, browns, and greys, with touches of red in the hunters clothing providing visual contrast.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of leisure and social status. The scene depicts an activity reserved for the privileged classes – a leisurely hunt enjoyed amidst a natural setting. The relaxed posture of both humans and animals suggests a moment of comfortable indulgence. There is also a sense of anticipation; the hunters are poised, ready to resume their pursuit, but for now, they pause, enjoying the tranquility of the woodland. The composition’s emphasis on the landscape reinforces the idea of humanitys relationship with nature – a dominion asserted through sport and recreation.