The artwork “Hippopotamus and Crocodile Hunt” is an oil on canvas painting by Peter Paul Rubens, dating from circa 1615 to 1616. This Baroque piece is a genre painting with dimensions of 248 x 321 cm and is currently housed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
The artwork depicts a dynamic and tumultuous hunting scene where humans and animals are engaged in a fierce struggle. At the center of the composition, there is a massive hippopotamus that is being attacked by several men. The muscular forms of the men, animals, and the swirl of activity indicate the influence of the Baroque style, which is known for its movement, drama, and tension.
One of the men in the foreground appears to be wrestling with the hippopotamus, holding onto its tusks while another invests in stabbing the animal. A crocodile, also part of the hunt, clamps onto the body of another man. The expressions of men and beasts alike are intense and vivid, conveying the danger and chaos of the hunt.
Horses add to the commotion with their rearing and charging, contributing to the sense of a frenzied battle between man and nature. The dynamic use of diagonals and the dramatic contrast between light and dark amplify the dramatic effect, making this a quintessential example of Rubens’ masterful handling of the Baroque ethos. The setting appears to be an exotic locale, suggested by the palm trees in the background, which adds an element of adventure and exploration consistent with the period’s fascination with the wider world.
