The Wolf and the Lamb (La Fontaine fable)

Art Historical Context

Step into the pastoral world of *The Wolf and the LambLa Fontaine fable)*, a delightful 1804 printed cotton textile from the Oberkampf Manufactory in Jouy-en-Josas, France, designed by Jean-Baptisteet I. Measuring 52 x 67 inches, this piece vividly illustrates Jean de La Fontaine's classic fable, where a cunning wolf unjustly devours an innocent lamb despite its pleas. Huet's lively scenes feature human figures, animals, birds, and lambs frolicking amid lush landscapes, capturing the moral tale's whimsy and warning against tyranny. Produced at the renowned Oberkampf Manufactory—pioneers of high-quality copperplate printing on cotton—this textile exemplifies *toile de Jouy*, a French specialty from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Huet, a master of Rococo-inspired pastoral motifs, infused the fabric with elegant, narrative charm, making it ideal for upholstery, curtains, or clothing in fashionable homes. The single-color printing technique on white cotton grounds allowed for intricate details and mass production, democratizing artistry. A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1926, this work reflects France's post-Revolutionary cultural vibrancy, blending literature, nature, and luxury. La Fontaine's fables, beloved since the 17th century, found new life in decorative arts, reminding viewers that even in elegance, timeless lessons endure.