The artwork “Prince Balthasar Carlos dressed as a Hunter” was created by the esteemed artist Diego Velazquez between 1635 and 1636. This oil on canvas painting adheres to the aesthetic principles of the Baroque movement and measures 103 by 191 centimeters. It is recognized as a portrait and is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork depicts Prince Balthasar Carlos, son of King Philip IV of Spain, standing in a verdant landscape as though he has just taken a pause from hunting. The prince, who appears in the attire of a hunter, is portrayed wearing a dark, wide-brimmed hat and a brown cloak over his shoulders adorned with a lace collar, which indicates his noble status despite his practical outfit. He holds a small firearm in his right hand, reinforcing his role as a hunter. Next to him, a large and docile brown and white dog reposes on the ground, presumably after participating in the hunt, while another more alert and slender dog gazes up at him, awaiting instruction or prey. The backdrop offers a serene view, with rolling hills disappearing into the distance under a wide sky, suggesting the expansiveness of the royal hunting grounds. The naturalistic details of the trees and the atmospheric perspective complementing the high status of the young prince complete the composition, showcasing Velazquez’s skill in fusing portraiture with landscape.