Ducks Resting in Sunshine
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
25 1/2 x 31 3/4 in. (64.8 x 80.6 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Department
European Paintings
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, 1871
Accession Number
71.57
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Ducks Resting in Sunshine (1753) by Jean-Baptiste Oudry a serene moment in nature, with ducks basking under warm sunlight amid a lush landscape. This oil on painting, measuring 25½ × 31¾ inches, exemplifies Oudry's mastery as an 18th-century French artist for his vivid depictions of animals. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through purchase in 1871 it resides in the European Paintings department inviting visitors to appreciate its tranquil charm. Painted during the Rococo era under Louis XV, Oudry—director of prestigious tapestry workshops like Beauvais and Gobelins—blended realistic animal portraiture with elegant landscapes. His oil technique shines in rendering the ducks' glossy feathers, soft light effects, and verdant surroundings, showcasing meticulous brushwork that brings wildlife to life with lifelike detail and subtle play of shadow and sun. This work reflects the period's fascination with nature's beauty, often tied to aristocratic hunting scenes. Oudry's legacy as a bridge between Baroque grandeur and Rococo refinement makes this piece a gem for animal and landscape lovers, highlighting humanity's enduring delight in the natural world. (198 words)
About the Artist
Jean-Baptiste Oudry · 1686–1755
Comment on works: Fish; Game; Dogs; Hunt scenes