Jean-Antoine Watteau

Antoine Watteau

Jean-Antoine Watteau (b. Valenciennes, France, (Baptism) October 10, 1684 - d. Nogent-sur-Marne, France, July 18, 1721), French Rococo painter.

Peter Paul Rubens was the main influence on Watteau's formative years. In 1717, Watteau joined the Academy of Painting. Some of his masterpieces are: Gilles and his Family (1716), Embarkation for Cythera (1717–19), The Mezzetin (1717–19) and L'Enseigne de Gersaint (1720).

The happy feel of his paintings made for a poignant contrast to his personal life, which was miserably lonely and punctuated by frequent illness. [1]

The Pleasures of Love

Le Mezzetin

Les Champs-Elysées

Watteau is now regarded as a forerunner of the Impressionists in his handling of color and study of nature.

## See also[edit]

Les Plaisirs du bal, 1717.

* Painting Masterpieces
* Painting Schools

## External links[edit]

* Biography Olga's Gallery.
* Watteau - Biography Written by Lisa MacDonald especially for the Artchive.
* Jean-Antoine Watteau

Petite Gallery

* "Pierrot"

* "The Dance"

* "Peaceful Love"

* "The Toilet"

* "The Love Lesson"

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Artist Profile Art History