Jan Weenix concentrated on painting huge canvases with depictions of animals, primarily game - dead animals as trophies of the hunt. He liked to place his still-lifes of dead game in a park-like setting, or, as in this painting, against a wooden vista. Classical details, like garden urns and statues are characteristic of his work.
This painting was originally part of a series of five decorative wall-paintings representing the five senses: taste, sight, smell, touch, and hearing. This painting symbolizes the sense of smell, illustrated by the dog.
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