Jean-Baptiste Pater's Halte de Chasse is the standout lot of Bonhams' Old Master Painting auction, which will take place in London tomorrow (July 3).
 Pater is largely responsible for popularising the 'fete galante' subject matter in France |
The painting depicts King Louis XV of France during one of his many hunting trips, surrounded by aristocrats. It is expected to bring £250,000-350,000 ($380,438-532,613).
Jean-Baptiste Pater (1695-1736) is best remembered for his paintings using the subject matter of "fete galante", which is the French term given to the pursuits enjoyed by the notoriously idle aristocrats of 18th century Paris.
Though the painting was likely commissioned by an aristocrat, King Louis XV himself is known to have commissioned at least one piece from Jean-Baptiste Pater. He was also a huge fan of hunting, reportedly taking part in hunting trips at least three times a week, and is known to have killed more than 250 game birds in a single day.
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