





Abraham Hondius
Abraham Hondius spent the final decades of his career in London, arriving shortly after the Great Fire. While many Dutch painters of his era remained in Rotterdam or Amsterdam, Hondius found a market in England for his dramatic animal subjects. He was a prolific draughtsman and painter who often lived beyond his means. His lifestyle in the Ludgate area of London was reportedly as boisterous as the hunting scenes he depicted on canvas.

Biography
His work is defined by physical tension and movement. Unlike the static animal portraits of his contemporaries, Hondius focused on the friction of the hunt. Works such as Bear and Dogs or Porcupine and Dogs show animals in frantic combat. He used a loose brushwork style that favoured energy over precise anatomical detail. This technique allowed him to capture the speed of a boar hunt or the sudden aggression of a cornered predator.
Modern collectors value these works for their raw energy. The compositions often place the viewer at the centre of the action. These prints record seventeenth-century sporting life and the Dutch fascination with the natural world. His paintings of animals, such as The Monkey and the Cat, also carry a sense of narrative drama. They function as bold statements in a contemporary interior.
Notable Works
Tap to view larger.
Next stop
Browse the movements →
Every movement in the collection, from the Renaissance to Pop art.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Abraham Hondius born?
Abraham Hondius was born in 1631 and died in 1691.What is Abraham Hondius known for?
Abraham Hondius is known for abraham Hondius was a Dutch Golden Age painter known for his dramatic hunting scenes and energetic depictions of animals.







