Artwork
A Deer Attacked by Dogs
A Deer Attacked by Dogs is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Deer Attacked by Dogs is an etching on laid paper created by Jean-Baptiste Oudry in 1725. It exemplifies the artist's expertise in depicting animals and hunt scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a dramatic confrontation between a deer and attacking dogs, capturing a moment of intense action and distress. The deer's attempt to escape is thwarted by the surrounding dogs, conveying a sense of chaos and danger.
Technique & Style
Oudry's naturalistic style is evident in the detailed rendering of the animals and the landscape background, which features a tree and a cloudy sky. The use of etching on laid paper allows for a nuanced representation of texture and atmosphere.
Context
The work is associated with the Rococo period and reflects Oudry's broader focus on animal subjects, which also influenced his career as a tapestry designer.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Oudry was a French Rococo painter, engraver, and tapestry designer. He is particularly well known for his naturalistic pictures of animals and his hunt pieces depicting game. His son, Jacques-Charles Oudry, was also a painter.
