The Kennel, from the series Hunting Scenes

Art Historical Context

"The Kennel" is a lithograph created in 1829 by Alexandre-Gabrielamps as part of his "Hunting Scenes" series. Published by Gihaut Frères in Paris and Charles Tilt in London, this print captures the lively world of hunting dogs within their kennel. At a time when lithography was gaining popularity as an accessible printmaking medium, Decamps used its expressive lines and tonal range to bring energy and character to everyday sporting subjects. Decamps, a leading figure in the Romantic movement, often explored themes of animals and rural life with vivid realism. This work highlights the close bond between hunters and their hounds, reflecting the cultural importance of hunting as both sport and social ritual in early nineteenth-century Europe. The sheet’s modest size made it ideal for collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy in their homes. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, "The Kennel" exemplifies how prints broadened access to art during this period. Its focus on dogs invites viewers to appreciate both the technical skill of early lithography and the enduring appeal of animal subjects in French Romantic art.

About the Artist

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps|Gihaut Frères|Gihaut Frères|Charles Tilt · 1803–1860

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