The Storyteller

Jean-Antoine Watteau

1700-1721

The Storyteller by Jean-Antoine Watteau, 1700-1721

Jean-Antoine Watteau brings the stage to life in this charming Rococo scene, featuring the lovelorn character Mezzetin in his signature pink striped costume. He strums a guitar with intense devotion for a woman in white, who sits beneath a garden urn looking somewhat indifferent, while a group of curious onlookers peek from behind a wall. Watteau was a master of the 'fête galante' genre, creating dreamy, theatrical worlds where aristocrats and actors mingled in lush landscapes. This painting captures the bittersweet nature of unrequited love with a light, feathery touch that defines the Rococo style.

Technique
Oil painting
Material
Oil on canvas

Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Views: 5

Related Artworks