 The hunt takes place on the banks of the Nile, as indicated by a palm tree in the background.As hippopotami and crocodiles were considered dangerous nuisances, their destruction was a duty performed by noblemen.The hunting party comprises three men in orientalizing costume—mounted on Arabian horses, who hunt with lance and sword—and two valets clad in roughly-hewn jerkins—one of whom has been killed by one of the beasts.