Inspired by Jean Siméon Chardin (1699 – 1779) – A mallard duck fixed on a wall and a bitter orange (1730) – oil an canvas – 18,15 x 15,04 inch

It’s Sunday today, that Toby is pretty sure. He has been spying on his father since yesterday. He doesn’t have the choice but guessing because you have to be really smart when nobody ever tells you anything!In fact, his dad went to his office late that morning, after feeding the Limousines with a haystack. The grass gets tight, they don’t have so much to eat and some are pregnant, so … In short, this is not the point. He, then, came back from the study with a long sheath in his hands. It wasn’t just the shape but the smell that warned him immediately. Then the several utensils, the oil … the opening of the hunting season is coming soon.

On edge, Toby responds to the least sounds. His ears move like crazy. All of a sudden … the bell! His master pulled out the collar. Toby, comfortably seated in the armchair of the drawing-room, jumps out, more likely a full glide totally under control, reaches the legs covered with the right pants. He hops on his two hind legs like a circus dog. He’s all excited. At last, the beginning of a long and brand new hunting season. At last, the intense complicity with his beloved master and his eternal and irresistible desire to please him. At last, at last, … the sweet smell of a deer to stalk!

And here they go. They join the dream team. Toby stands upright on the passenger seat both front legs on the dashboard, thorough, feverish. From time to time, he glances at the driver, one ear straight, the other tilted, his father smiles at him. He is just delighted. Everyone knows what to do, where to stand and the potential rifle shots that could be fired towards a very specific direction. For Toby, nothing is easier: nose to the ground and olfactory system sharp.

The morning passes without much excitement. Nothing to put in the nostrils. Toby is even more frustrated that his father is also disappointed. More still can be done, however, the afternoon will be the right timing. A handful of croquettes, a zest of water and a pinch of sand later, Toby is on a trail. Unusual … No, not a deer or a pheasant, the smell is much more skilful … a duck, a magnificent mallard with silky feathers!