Een dier in de maan / Un Animal dans la Lune

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, midden onder: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Jean-Baptiste Oudry's *Een dier in de maan / Un Animal dans la Lune* (1731) is a delightful brush drawing capturing a fanciful vision of an animal peering from the moon. Measuring 310 × 259 mm, this work exemplifies Oudry's mastery of the Rococo style, known for its playful elegance and lively depictions of nature. As a leading French artist of the early 18th century,ry (1686–1755) rose to prominence at the court of Louis XV, creating vivid animal portraits, hunting scenes, and designs for the Gobelins and Beauvais tapestry factories. His brush technique here—likely ink or wash on paper—brings fluid energy and whimsy, transforming a celestial motif into something enchanting and approachable. The bilingual title hints at its appeal across cultures, possibly linked to Dutch or French collecting circles. A collector's mark (Lugt 2228) on the verso underscores its provenance, a testament to its enduring value among connoisseurs. Oudry's innovative animal subjects elevated the genre, blending realism with imagination and influencing later illustrators. This piece invites visitors to ponder the artist's humorous take on the night sky, a charming glimpse into 18th-century fantasy amid the grandeur of Versailles.

About the Artist

Jean-Baptiste Oudry · 1686–1755

Comment on works: Fish; Game; Dogs; Hunt scenes