I.L. Jensen's interest in hunting already began during his stay in Rome during the mid-1830s, but the interest truly came to fruition during the 1840s, perhaps inspired by his many visits to the manor houses, while he travelled around Denmark. There is no doubt that he had great knowledge of both the hunt and what it entailed. Downed birds were placed on the forest floor with hunting equipment, such as a hunting bag and shotgun. He also painted a hunting party putting the day's catch out on display, paying the last respect to the dead animals. A custom that still exists today. Already in the 17th century, a favourite motif was that of suspended birds shot during hunts, such as the motif in the present painting. It is impressive how close Jensen comes to reality in his rendering of the dead black grouses. Literature: Marie-Louise Berner & Mette Thelle, “Blomstermaleren J.L. Jensen. Mellem kunst og natur”, (The Flower Painter J.L. Jensen. Between Art and Nature in the Golden Age), 2018, pp. 167–174 for descriptions and illustrations of Jensen's hunting scenes.