Wild Duck Shooting-- On the Wing

William T. Ranney's oil painting of Wild Duck Shooting -- On the Wing was painted in 1850. It depicts the sport of hunting in 18th century art. In early American colonialism, hunting was common for food. However, it is evident that this painting portrays it as a mere sport. The father and son show "the American spirit." Hunting is seen as a sport that brings a father and son closer to form a strong bond. The dog is a companion to the family and helps gather the kill. The dead ducks in the corner are a prize for the young boy and father. Hunting has always existed since the beginning of time. It is seen between animals, and humans. Animals will kill out of instinct or for protection; humans kill for sport. In America, during the 1800s, hunting for sport was accepted. Today, groups like PETA stand against it. Shooting ducks was a good way for fathers and sons to bond. People still hunt today, but there's limits and restrictions now. The painting well-received in wide audiences; he also made several versions of the same painting. It was also made into several engravings. For it to be well-recieved in masses, shows the mentality of animal rights and emotions in the 1800s. They were objects that could be killed for sport, or perhaps a meal for the family. The dogs is still seen as a companion of man like it was back in the 1800s. The dog looks intently at it's master to quickly please him with the next kill. There seems to be more light on the ducks than the actual people in the painting, almost glorifying the kill. Hunting is still glorified today. The heads of dead animals posted on walls is glorifying murder. Others will defend it as a sport for fun. Regardless, our treatment of animals has remained the same, but the way we think of them as beings has changed.