Antoine Watteau. 1684-1721

Best known for his fetes galantes such as the famous Pelerinage a l'ile de Cythere, Antoine Watteau was a major proponent in the revival of the Baroque style and the formation of the Rococo movement.

Watteau was inspired by the theater and in particular the commedia dell'arte, hence elaborately costumed actors, dancers, and musicians were recurrent subjects; he was also fond of bucolic scenes and portraiture. Infused with romance, drama, and joie de vivre, Watteau's paintings depict a idyllic world of pleasure and entertainment.