An outstanding collection of drawings by the French 17th-century painter, Antoine Watteau (1684–1721).
An outstanding collection of more than 50 drawings by the French 17th century painter whose work bridged the late Baroque and the early Rococo periods, leaving a lasting influence on the course of French art. Such a wealth of work by the artist (only the Louvre has more) is unexpected as, in general, the Museum's collection of French 18th-century drawings is limited. The light-hearted and playful nature of much art of the period, shaped by its largely aristocratic patronage, found a cooler reception in Britain.
Watteau may have escaped this censure owing to his birthplace in the Flemish city of Valenciennes, taken over by the French in 1678. Flemish artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck had long been highly regarded in England, and Watteau's early drawings have a marked Flemish influence. Watteau was inspired by Rubens's use of red, black and white chalks to create his own characteristic 'trois crayons' style, which allowed for a sumptuous suggestion of texture and pattern. Known for his delicate and lyrical approach to color, light, and composition, Watteau's paintings often depicted scenes of leisurely aristocratic life, blending grace with a sense of melancholy.
His most iconic works included developing the dreamlike, romantic, allegorical world of the fête galante; outdoor gatherings of elegantly dressed figures, set against idyllic landscapes. Watteau's ability to capture fleeting moments of emotion and his mastery of creating a sense of intimacy in his compositions clearly set him apart from his contemporaries.
Though he was not formally trained in the academic traditions of his time, Watteau's innovative use of color and his ability to depict the human figure with a sense of elegance and fragility earned him significant acclaim. His influence on later artists, particularly in the development of French 18th-century painting, was profound, and he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the evolution of European art.
In this, the first exhibition of the Museum's Watteau holdings since 1980, visitors can enjoy prints and drawings by Watteau's pupils and admirers (such as Jean-Baptiste Pater and Nicolas Lancret) that provide a wider context of his significance to French art.
Watteau and circle: 15 May – 14 September 2025
Room 90: Prints and drawings
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
Opening Hours Daily: 10.00–17.00 (Fridays: 20.30)
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