La querelle des chiens et des chats et celle des chats et des souris (The Quarrel of Cats and Dogs, and that of Cats and Mice)

Art Historical Context

This hand-colored etching captures a lively scene of animal rivalries, titled *The Quarrel of Cats and Dogs, and that of Cats and Mice*. Created by Johann Christoph Teucher after a design by the renowned French artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry and published in 1759, the print draws from 18th-century interest in moral fables. Oudry, celebrated for his Rococo animal paintings, often depicted beasts with expressive personalities to illustrate tales of conflict and harmony, reflecting Enlightenment-era fascination with nature and human behavior. The medium of hand-colored etching allowed such works to reach wider audiences beyond the elite, combining precise linework with vibrant watercolor tones for dramatic effect. Produced during the height of French Rococo, this piece exemplifies how prints disseminated Oudry’s designs from popular fable series, blending whimsy with subtle commentary on social discord. Its presence in the National Gallery of Art’s collection highlights the enduring appeal of these playful yet instructive images, inviting viewers to ponder timeless themes of rivalry through charming animal allegories.