The Wolf and the Lamb (by Jean-Baptiste Oudry) Mouse Mat

This design features a painting by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686–1755). It depicts a wolf aggressively trying to frighten a lamb. However, the lamb remains relaxed and steadfast in its confidence. The image is based on one of the famous fables of La Fontaine, in which a thirsty lamb drinks from the water in a river, when the lamb is confronted by an angry wolf, who accuses him of trespassing. The smart little lamb calmly rebuts the wolf's accusations point by point, making a strong argument, until the wolf drags him into the woods and eats him. "Might is right", concludes La Fontaine. "The verdict goes to the strong." The original artwork was painted by Jean-Baptiste Oudry in 1751.