Painting animals was Carl Borromäus Andreas Ruthart's specialty. He trained in Gdańsk, studied in Rome, then joined painters' guild in Antwerp. His reputation lay not only in his understanding of animal anatomy and his painting skills, but also in his ability to integrate animals smoothly into a variety of settings, from mythological or biblical contexts to idyllic scenes. Frequently hired by wealthy aristocrats, the artist most likely had an ample opportunity to observe animals up close during many hunting events. Deeply religious, he later entered the Celestine monastery and painted altarpieces for its church. The exhibition of his works dating from that period is on display in the former Franciscan monastery in Gdańsk which seems very fitting.