Watteau

Best known for his fetes galantes such as the famous Pelerinage a lÅ’le de Cythere, Antoine Watteau 1684-1721 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, Watteaus paintings depict a idyllic world of pleasure and entertainment.