"Soldats et femmes attables sous une grande tente." (Soldiers and women seated under a large tent.)Made by Francois Boucher after Jean-Antoine Watteau.Medium: Etching on hand laid (verge) paper.Sheet size: 34.5 x 26 cm (13.58 x 10.24 inch). Image size: 25.6 x 20.1 cm. (10.08 x 7.91 inch).SOLDIER-WOMEN-LARGE-TENT | EXPO-FRENCHBACKGROUND INFORMATIONIn 1721, Jean de Julienne undertook to have Watteau's drawings reproduced in order to produce a collection of the latter's works who had just died. It was published in two volumes by Audran and Chéreau, one in 1726, the second in 1728, and printed in only 100 copies.This collection is entitled 'Figures of different characters, landscapes, and studies drawn from nature by Antoine Watteau, painter to the King in his Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture Engraved with Etching by the most skilful Painters and Engravers of the Time, taken from the most beautiful cabinets of Paris'.Fifteen artists participated, including Boucher, to whom 119 pieces are attributed, to which are added 9 other unsigned plates that are also attributed to him.This engraving appears in the second volume.Composition similar to the 'Relaxation of War', a painting in the Hermitage engraved by Crépy the son.Biography engraver: Francois Boucher (1703-1770) was a French painter, draughtsman and etcher, who worked in the Rococo style. Boucher is known for his idyllic and voluptuous paintings on classical themes, decorative allegories, and pastoral scenes. He was perhaps the most celebrated painter and decorative artist of the 18th century.Biography artist: Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721) was a French painter and draughtsman whose brief career spurred the revival of interest in colour and movement, as seen in the tradition of Correggio and Rubens. He revitalized the waning Baroque style, shifting it to the less severe, more naturalistic, less formally classical, Rococo. Watteau is credited with inventing the genre of fêtes galantes, scenes of bucolic and idyllic charm, suffused with a theatrical air. Some of his best known subjects were drawn from the world of Italian comedy and ballet. Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
