A Hare and a Leg of Lamb 1742

"A Hare and a Leg of Lamb" is a 1742 painting by French artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry, renowned for his mastery of animal and hunting scenes. This still life depicts a skinned hare and a leg of lamb hanging against a simple, muted background. The detailed depiction of the animal carcasses with their fleshy tones, realistic textures, and precise anatomical accuracy exemplify Oudry's remarkable skill in portraying the raw beauty of nature. The painting's subject matter, a common theme in 18th-century art, reflects the importance of hunting and the abundance of nature, while also evoking a sense of mortality and the passage of time.