Hunting Trophies on the wall niche, Willem van Aest (1700)
The Łazienki Park was a place where hunts had been organized before it was purchased by the future king in 1764. The area was converted into a park with a residence by the new owner but the population of wild birds and animals had been preserved. Nevertheless, the king, an excellent shooter and hunting enthusiast, travelled to larger Polish forests for hunting. Game meat was often served on the royal table. During just one quarter of the 1765, among others, 16 deer, 89 hares, 223 black grouses, 191 hazel grouses, 898 partridges, 135 wild ducks and 13 quails were eaten. The painting which depicts hunting trophies, by a painter from Willem van Aelst’s circle, reflects three passions of Stanisław August – hunting and a taste for good cuisine, and also his love for art.
