Arthur Waagen (1833-1898)

Arthur Waagen Kabyle Returning from the Hunt is a bronze sculpture that exemplifies one of the characteristic examples of 19th-century Orientalism, treating narration with restraint. The horseman’s calm posture and the group of hunting dogs arranged around him emphasize the quiet order of the hunt’s conclusion rather than the drama of the prey. The block-like structure of the composition and the meticulous crafting of the animals create a balanced unity. The work simultaneously showcases Waagen's sensitivity to animal representation and the contemporary interest in Eastern themes.