While most of Gagneraux’s work is neoclassical in inspiration, this picture looks to Rubens as a source. Even though the late seventeenth century conflict in the Académie in Paris between the merits of Rubens and Poussin as a model was long over, many eighteenth century French artists did use Rubens as a source, especially Fragonard. The direct source for this painting is one of Rubens’ many interpretations of The lion hunt, which the artist could easily have known through the medium of tapestries and engravings.

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