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The Legion Of Honor By John Baptiste Oudry

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When at the Legion of Honor, we as a group came across a painting known as “The Pâté” which was completed by French artist John Baptiste Oudry in 1743. Some quick dimensions of the painting include, 69 3/4 x 49 (177.2 x 124.5 cm) being a rather average size painting in that century in that geographical location. The artist John Baptiste Oudry was a well known Rococo painter, tapestry designer as well as illustrator. Most of his praised work was centered around hunted game or animals in well forested landscapes. He attended the French Royal academy and towards the later end of his life was made head of the Beauvais tapestry. The painting which is a trompe-l 'œil, which literally translates to “fools the eye” was made during a time of economic and cultural prosperity in France and most parts of Europe. Under the reign of Louis XV we see acquisition of new land by France and relative economic strength at the populous level. This is also a times of artistic prosperity and freedom with the vast amount of academies and schools available to the population (nominally the rich, educated, particularly skilled). However, the only evidence of societal influence we see in this art piece is the French Royal insignia, on the mixing bowl that symbolizes French society and strength This particular painting called to me because of the extensive detail in the game that is hanging but also the extra steps that were taken to give you the sensation of being in that room as well as being in that

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