Jean-Baptiste Oudry; A Pomeranian; 1734-1740; black and white chalk on blue paper; 12 1/2 in. x 15 9/16 in. (31.8 cm. x 39.6 cm.); One of the foremost animal and landscape painters in the era of Louis XV of France; Oudry painted royal hunting scenes and portraits of the king's favorite dogs. Royal patronage enabled him to assume several important administrative and teaching positions. Oudry was an active draftsman; who prepared on paper his work in painting; tapestry design; and engraving. This loosely drawn study of a dog is typical of Oudry's use of black and white chalk on colored paper. It is but one indication of the love of pet and hunting dogs that many members of the aristocracy shared with their king; who; according to contemporaries; personally maintained his hunting kennel and knew his dogs by name.