Swan Attacked by a Dog (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- This oil painting is from the classical period. Ancient Roman and Greek culture, literature, and architecture were the main influences on art made during that time.
- The style of this painting is rococo, which tends to be ornate and dramatic.
- French rococo artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry is best known for his realistic portrayal of animals and hunting scenes. He worked as a painter, engraver, and tapestry designer for wealthy and powerful patrons.
- This large-scale painting is almost six feet tall. It was originally twice this size. The top portion was cut off at some point, to make the painting smaller.
Learn More
This rococo-style oil painting was created during the classical period. Art from this period was inspired by ancient Roman and Greek culture, literature, and architecture. Rococo was an ornate and dramatic style of art, architecture, and decoration that originated in France in the 1730s. This style of art features curved asymmetrical forms and elaborate decoration.
Jean-Baptiste Oudry was a French painter, engraver, and tapestry designer. He is best known for his lifelike portrayal of animals and hunting scenes depicting wild game. He is considered one of the greatest animal painters of the 18th century. In 1736 Oudry was commissioned to create paintings and design tapestries depicting Louis XV’s hunting expeditions. Oudry was appointed the official painter of the king’s royal hunts.
Swan Attacked by a Dog is almost six feet tall. The painting was originally closer to 12 feet in height. The artist’s preparatory drawing reveals that his painting was cut down from its vertical format, possibly to make it fit into a specific space.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read the artist’s biography to learn about his background and career.
- Explore a fact sheet about rococo art that can be incorporated into a classroom activity.
Resources for Students
- Visit a virtual gallery of Oudry’s paintings at the National Gallery of Art.
- Watch a short video about rococo art.
Images
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Swan Attacked by a Dog