Antique Oil Painting Polish Bear Hunting & Troika By Gustav Prucha

Antique late 19th century, large painting oil on canvas: winter landscape "Polish bear hunting scene and troika sleigh in the snowy forest" by well-known, listed Austrian artist Gustav Prucha (1875-1952). Signed lower left Gustav Prucha.

This exquisite, finely hand-painted artwork portrays a wild boar hunting scene. It features a noble hunter dressed in traditional Polish nobleman clothing, with a short jacket, a fur hat, and a red fabric top. The hunting horn is prominently displayed on his right side.
Armed with a long spear, the nobleman attempts to spear the boar from his horse. The snapping and frothing hunting dogs have finally closed in on their prey.

The nobleman, assisted by the foot huntsman on the right armed with a pike, and the peasants in the troika on the left, dressed in typical Galician winter clothing. This includes long sheepskin coats and the winter hat (Uszatka) with characteristic flaps protecting the ears from frost.
In the back are the figures of the following riders.

The painting is housed in its original gilt period frame.

The painting is meticulously hand-painted with superb skills, harmonious and vibrant colors, and exquisite nuances. The image is rich in detail, featuring a realistically painted nobleman on horseback, with accurate proportions and anatomical structure of the horse. The painting also captures the detailed elements of the horse's movements and harnesses.

Also, the peasant figures, slight horses, dogs, trees, and snow in the setting sun are realistically painted with beautiful colors. This painting is a true work of art, showcasing artistic craftsmanship. Upon comparison with other works by Gustav Prucha, it's evident that this painting is one of his finest.
The artist's works, including his renowned painting "Polish Wedding Party," have frequently appeared at various auctions. This specific piece was offered for sale in 1983 at Sotheby's, demonstrating the high esteem in which Prucha's art is held in the art world.

MEASUREMENTS:
Frame dimensions: 96.5 cm x 76 cm (37.99 inches x 29 .92 inches).
Dimensions without frame: 80 cm x 58.5 cm (31.5 inches x 23.03)

CONDITION: It is in very good condition, with no restorations whatsoever.

Gustav Prucha, the master behind this captivating painting, was born in Vienna in 1875. His artistic journey took him to the Ecole Des Beaux-Arts in Prague, where he studied under the renowned J. E. Horwarter (1854-1925). A member of the 'Künstlerbund Segantini' established by Hanns Diehl, Prucha’s art was deeply influenced by his study trips to various parts of the Austrian Hungarian Habsburg Empire, including Galicia, Hungary, and Croatia. His travels to Holland and America, during which he often used the pseudonym John Harway, further enriched his artistic vision. He passed away in Vienna on 29 August 1952, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional art.