Wolf Hunt 1725

Jean-Baptiste Oudry made this print, Wolf Hunt, using etching, a process that democratized image making in the 18th century. Etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through the wax to expose the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The fineness of the lines, and the complexity of their layering, determines the tonal range, creating a detailed scene. Oudry was known for his animal paintings, particularly for the French royal court. This print reflects the aristocracy's interest in hunting, a pursuit reserved for the upper classes and reflective of their power and dominion. The work involved in the production of the print is considerable, but it is a means of reproducing images for wider distribution. The contrast between the aristocratic subject matter and the increasingly accessible medium highlights the changing social landscape of the time. This print blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the social context and the labor involved in its creation.