Hond bij een geschoten haas 1696 - 1755

This drawing, "Dog with a Shot Hare," was made by Jean-Baptiste Oudry sometime in the 18th century. Oudry used chalk on blue paper, achieving a striking study in muted tones. The composition is dominated by the forms of the dog and the hare, set against a hazy background. Oudry’s handling of light and shadow creates a palpable sense of texture, particularly in the fur of the animals. The dog’s posture, head lowered towards its prey, introduces a dynamic tension. This piece exemplifies the semiotic function of art, where each element - the hunter, the hunted, the somber palette - carries a layer of meaning. Oudry’s art destabilizes a sentimental view of nature, presenting a scene that’s part of the hunt. Note the subtle asymmetry in the arrangement of the figures, which introduces a sense of movement. This formal choice reflects a larger discourse about the relationship between humans and the natural world. Oudry invites us to consider the complex interplay between observer, subject, and the cultural narratives that shape our perceptions.