Le Caniche Blanc 

Jean Béraud painted "Le Caniche Blanc," or "The White Poodle," in late 19th-century France, likely with oil on canvas. Béraud was known for his scenes of Parisian life, particularly those of the upper classes. This work, however, offers a more intimate view into that world through a simple portrait of a beloved pet. The painting's focus on a dog, especially a small, well-groomed breed, speaks to the rising wealth and leisure of the bourgeoisie during the Belle Époque. The elaborate rug beneath the poodle also points to a culture of consumerism and a focus on domestic comforts. Poodles, originating in Germany, were highly prized in French society. To understand this work more fully, it's essential to consider archival material of how the French bourgeoisie viewed pet ownership in the late 1800s, as well as the social history of the Poodle. Art history teaches us that even seemingly simple images can reveal intricate connections to their cultural moment.