During the Second Empire (1852–1870) hunting became a popular sport, not only for the aristocracy but also for the wealthy bourgeoisie. The art market in Paris was inundated with requests for hunting scenes. Courbet’s paintings on this theme were in great demand. He himself was a passionate hunter and his paintings are characterized by a high degree of realism in the portrayal of animals, nature and the various elements of the hunt. The snowy landscape in several of these works was often painted outdoors – although the dead fox was painted in the studio.