The Genius of Hunting at The Louvre, Paris

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The Masterpiece of Hunting showcases Jean-Baptiste de Bay's exceptional skill as a sculptor, crafting this massive bronze masterpiece in 1802. The original plaster version of the sculpture was unveiled at the prestigious Salon in 1836 after its completion and later placed in the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg. Following restoration by the esteemed Pari Mutuel Urbain society, it was relocated to the main sculpture gallery at The Louvre in Paris. This iconic piece is also known as Lallali du Cerf, inspired by Gustave Courbet's painting of the same name (The Kill of Deer), which can be found on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The dramatic scene depicts a deer brutally attacked by a pack of ferocious hunting dogs and lying helpless on the snowy ground. Standing proudly to the right are two prominent figures, Cusenier Jules, a respected resident of Ornans, and Felix Gaudy, a renowned citizen of Vuillafans, who can be seen astride his horse. The L'Hallali is deeply rooted in the time-honored tradition of representing hunting scenes, dating back to the seventeenth century. Courbet's masterful use of harsh, realistic representation bears striking resemblance to Flemish models. Notably, hunting scenes are a recurring theme in Courbet's paintings, with each step of the chase meticulously represented.