Comic Stories: The Plunderer Falls on the Goat 1726

Jean-Baptiste Oudry created this print, "Comic Stories: The Plunderer Falls on the Goat," using etching and engraving techniques. Oudry lived during the reign of Louis XV, a time of shifting social structures in France. His work often depicted animals and scenes from daily life, reflecting the era's interest in naturalism and the burgeoning middle class. In this print, we see a chaotic scene unfolding. A would-be robber, armed with a sword, has fallen from a wall onto a goat, much to the surprise and alarm of the surrounding figures. Oudry masterfully captures their varied reactions, from fear to amusement, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of human behavior. Oudry's choice of subject matter invites us to consider the social hierarchy and the roles of individuals within it. The image also plays with humor, poking fun at the misadventures of those who attempt to disrupt the social order. As you look at this piece, consider how Oudry's work reflects the values and tensions of his time, and how these themes resonate even today.