Valkenier met jachthond - Jan van de Velde II

A 1616 etching by Jan van de Velde II depicting a falconer and his hunting dog, rendered with the precise line work characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age.

This etching, dated 1616, depicts a young falconer accompanied by his hunting dog. Jan van de Velde II was a prolific printmaker of the Dutch Golden Age, known for his technical precision and his contribution to the development of landscape and genre subjects. The figure is dressed in the fashion of the early seventeenth century, featuring a high-crowned hat adorned with feathers, a ruff, and a doublet with breeches. The falconer holds a bird of prey on his gloved hand, while the dog stands alert at his side.

The composition is typical of the period, utilising clear, controlled lines to define the textures of the clothing, the fur of the animal, and the plumage of the bird. The background is kept minimal, with horizontal hatching suggesting a simple horizon line, which allows the focus to remain entirely on the subject. The work bears the inscription 'I. Van Velde inu.' (inventor) and 'R. de Baudous excud.' (publisher), indicating the collaborative nature of print production in the Netherlands at the time.

Van de Velde's work often explored themes of daily life and rural activity. This print captures a moment of quiet preparation, reflecting the aristocratic pastime of falconry. The clarity of the line work and the balanced arrangement of the figures demonstrate the artist's command of the etching needle. The print provides a glimpse into the sartorial details and social customs of the Dutch Republic during the early seventeenth century. It is a fine example of the period's interest in documenting specific social roles through the medium of print.