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" Every day we should hear at least one good song , read one good poem , see one exquisite picture , and , if possible , speak a few sensible words . " Johann Wolfgang von Goethe "

Monday 16 July 2012

'Henri Camille, Chevalier de Beringhen ' Jean-Baptiste Oudry , French (1686-1755) Oil on canvas, circa 1722. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC .

'Henri Camille , Chevalier de Beringhen ' Jean-Baptiste Oudry . French (1686-1755) Oil on canvas , circa 1722. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. The sitter in this portrait is Henri Camille , chevalier de Beringhen , a member of an aristocratic family originally from the duchy of Cleves who from the time of Henri 1V served in various capacities in the armies and royal housholds of France. Henri Camille was Jean-Baptiste Oudry's most influential backer at court . Through his good offices Oudry was introduced to the young Louis XV , he can thus be credited with launching the artists career as official painter to the royal hunts. Oudry portrays the twenty nine-year old Beringhen as the perfect French gentleman, engaged in the most aristocratic of recreational activities - hunting.

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