The main themes of Rococo painting are the exquisite life of the court aristocracy, "gallant festivities", idyllic pictures of "shepherd's" life against the backdrop of pristine nature, the world of complex love affairs and ingenious allegories. Human life is instantaneous and fleeting, and therefore it is necessary to catch the “happy moment”, hurry to live and feel. “The spirit of charming and airy little things” (M. Kuzmin) becomes the leitmotif of the work of many artists of the "royal style".
For most Rococo painters, Venus, Diana, nymphs and cupids outshine all other deities. All sorts of "bathing", "morning toilets" and instant pleasures are now almost the main subject of the image. Exotic color names come into fashion: “the color of the thigh of a frightened nymph” (corporeal), “the color of a rose floating in milk” (pale pink), “the color of lost time” (blue). Well-thought-out, slender compositions of classicism give way to an elegant and sophisticated pattern.
Antoine Watteau (1684-1721) was called by contemporaries "the poet of careless leisure" and "gallant festivities", "the singer of grace and beauty". In his works, he captured picnics in forever green parks, musical and theatrical concerts in the bosom of nature, passionate confessions and quarrels of lovers, idyllic dates, balls and masquerades. At the same time, there is an aching sadness in his paintings, a sense of the transience of beauty and the ephemeral nature of what is happening.
One of the artist's famous paintings is Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera. Charming ladies and gallant gentlemen gathered on the flower-strewn shore of the sea bay. They sailed to the island of Cythera - the island of the goddess of love and beauty Venus, where she, according to legend,
Antoine Watteau. Pilgrimage to the island of Cythera. 1717 Louvre, Paris
emerged from the foam of the sea. The festival of love begins at a statue depicting Venus and cupids, one of which reaches down to lay a laurel garland on the most beautiful of the goddesses. At the foot of the statue are stacked weapons, armor, lyre and books - symbols of war, arts and sciences. Well, love really can conquer everything!
The action unfolds like a film, sequentially telling about the walk of each of the couples in love. The language of allusions reigns in the relationship of the characters: suddenly cast glances, the inviting gesture of a fan in the hands of a girl, a speech cut off in mid-sentence... The harmony of man and nature is felt in everything.
But it is already evening, the golden sunset colors the sky. The holiday of love fades away, filling the carefree fun of couples in love with sadness. Very soon they will return to their ship, which will take them from the unreal world to the world of everyday reality. A wonderful sailboat - the ship of love - is ready to sail. Warm, soft colors, muted colors, light brush strokes that barely touched the canvas - all this creates a special atmosphere of charm and love.
And again I love the earth for
What are the rays of the sunset so solemn,
With a light brush Antoine Watteau
Touched my heart once.
G. Ivanov
One of the true masterpieces is Watteau's painting "Gilles" ("Pierrot"), created as a sign for the performances of itinerant comedians.
Gilles is the main and favorite character of the French comedy of masks, consonant with Pierrot, the hero of the Italian comedy dell'arte. The clumsy, naive creature seems to have been specially created for the constant ridicule and tricks of the dexterous and cunning Harlequin. Gilles is depicted in a traditional white suit with a cape and a round hat. He stands motionless and lost in front of the viewer, while other comedians settle down to rest. He seems to be looking for 
a sednik who is able to listen and understand him. There is something touching and unprotected in the ridiculous pose of a comedian with limply lowered hands, a fixed gaze. In the tired and sad appearance of the buffoon, the thought of the loneliness of a person forced to amuse and entertain a bored audience lurked. The emotional openness of the hero makes him one of the most profound and striking images in the history of world painting.
François Boucher (1703-1770) considered himself a faithful student of Watteau. Some called him "the artist of graces", "Anacreon of painting", "royal painter". Others saw him as a "hypocrite" artist, "who has everything but the truth." Still others skeptically remarked: "His hand picks roses where others find only thorns."
The artist's brush belongs to a number of ceremonial portraits of the mistress of King Louis XV, Marquise de Pompadour. It is known that she patronized Bush, more than once ordered him paintings on religious subjects for country residences and Parisian mansions. In the painting Madame de Pompadour, the heroine is presented surrounded by scattered flowers and luxurious objects, reminiscent of her artistic tastes and hobbies. She reclines regally against the backdrop of lush, solemn draperies. The book in her hand is a clear hint of enlightenment and commitment to intellectual pursuits.
Francois Bush. Madame de Pompadour. 1756 Alte Pinakothek, Munich
The Marquise de Pompadour generously thanked the artist, appointing him first as director of the Gobelin Manufactory, and then as president of the Academy of Arts, giving him the title of "the king's first painter."
Francois Boucher more than once turned to the depiction of frivolous scenes, the main characters of which were cutesy, shy shepherdesses or plump naked damsels in the form of mythological Venus and Diana. His paintings are replete with ambiguous hints, piquant details (the raised hem of the shepherd's satin skirt, the coquettishly raised leg of the bathing Diana, the finger pressed to the lips, an eloquent, inviting look, lambs clinging to the legs of lovers in love, symbolically kissing doves, etc.). Well, the artist knew the fashion and tastes of his era very well!
In the history of world painting, Francois Boucher still remains a magnificent master of color and exquisite drawing. Witty compositions, unusual angles of characters, bizarre silhouettes of almost theatrical scenery, rich color accents, bright reflections of transparent colors applied in small, light strokes, smooth, flowing rhythms - all this makes F. Boucher an unsurpassed master of painting. His paintings turn into decorative panels, decorate the lush interiors of halls and living rooms, they call to the world of happiness, love and beautiful dreams.
Questions and tasks
1. Why is the work of N. Poussin called the pinnacle of classicism in painting? In what and how did he express his ideal of beauty? Do you agree with the artist's statement that all his works can be thematically divided into "orgy" and "sublime heroism"? Which of the paintings by N. Poussin interested you the most? Why?
2. Is it possible to agree with the opinion of contemporaries that in the sculptural works of A. Canova “life itself pulsates”? Explain your answer. Why do you think A. Canova and B. Thorvaldsen often turned to mythological subjects and images? What are character traits creative manner of A. Houdon?
3. Tell us about A. Watteau and F. Bush - the greatest masters of the "gallant genre" in Rococo painting. What are the main motives for their work?
creative workshop
Compare the painting by Poussin "Parnassus" with the fresco of the same name by Raphael. What is common and what is the difference between the creative manner of these artists?
Prepare a slide show for a lecture on the topic "Sculptural masterpieces of classicism." Accompany your chosen material with brief annotations.
Prepare an article for an illustrated art magazine about the greatest masters of the "gallant genre" (A. Watteau, F. Boucher and O. Fragonard). Try to reflect in it the distinctive features of the artistic manner of each of these masters.
Write a short essay on the topic “What could the heroes of Antoine Watteau's paintings dream about and talk about? ".
Masters of the "gallant genre" ROCOCO ("quaint", "capricious"; French rococo from rocaille - fragments of stones, shells), a stylistic trend that dominated European art during the first three quarters of the 18th century. It was not so much an independent artistic phenomenon as a phase, a certain stage of the pan-European Baroque style. The term "rococo" arose in France at the end of the 18th century, during the heyday of classicism, as a contemptuous nickname for all mannered and pretentious art of the 18th century: a curved, capricious line resembling the outlines of a shell, its main feature. Rococo art is a world of fiction and intimate experiences, decorative theatricality, sophistication, sophisticated sophistication; there is no place for heroism and pathos in it; they are replaced by a game of love, fantasy, and lovely trinkets. The main themes of Rococo painting are the exquisite life of the court aristocracy, idyllic pictures of "shepherd's" life against the backdrop of pristine nature, the world of complex love affairs and ingenious allegories. Human life is instantaneous and fleeting, and therefore it is necessary to catch the "happy moment", hurry to live and feel. “The spirit of charming and airy little things” becomes the leitmotif of the work of many artists of the “royal style.
Antoine Watteau Antoine Watteau - contemporaries called "the poet of careless leisure" and "gallant festivities", "the singer of grace and beauty." In his works, he captured picnics in evergreen parks, musical and theatrical concerts in the bosom of nature, passionate confessions and quarrels of lovers, idyllic dates, balls and masquerades. At the same time, there is a poignant sadness in his paintings. The feeling of the transience of beauty and the ephemeral nature of what is happening. Antoine Watteau - contemporaries called "the poet of careless leisure" and "gallant festivities", "the singer of grace and beauty." In his works, he captured picnics in evergreen parks, musical and theatrical concerts in the bosom of nature, passionate confessions and quarrels of lovers, idyllic dates, balls and masquerades. At the same time, there is a poignant sadness in his paintings. Feeling the transience of beauty and ephemerality of what is happening.
Antoine Watteau. Pilgrimage to the island of Cythera Louvre. Paris. Antoine Watteau. Pilgrimage to the island of Cythera Louvre. Paris. One of the artist's famous paintings is Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera. Charming ladies and gallant gentlemen gathered on the flower-strewn shore of the sea bay. They sailed to the island of Cythera - the island of the goddess of love and beauty Venus, where, according to legend, she came out of the sea foam. Warm, soft paints, muted colors, light brush strokes all create special atmosphere charm and love. One of the artist's famous paintings is Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera. Charming ladies and gallant gentlemen gathered on the flower-strewn shore of the sea bay. They sailed to the island of Cythera - the island of the goddess of love and beauty Venus, where, according to legend, she came out of the sea foam. Warm, soft colors, muted colors, light brush strokes - all this creates a special atmosphere of charm and love.
The painting by Watteau "Gilles" ("Pierrot"), created as a signboard for the performance of itinerant comedians, belongs to the authentic shedauras. Gilles is the main and favorite character of the French comedy of masks. Consonant with Pierrot - the hero of the Italian comedy dell'arte. The clumsy, naive creature seems to have been specially created for the constant ridicule and tricks of the dexterous and cunning Harlequin. Artistically, the picture is written brilliantly. The ultimate simplicity of motif and composition is combined here with a precise pattern and a carefully thought-out color scheme. One of the authentic shedavres is Watteau's painting "Gilles" ("Pierrot"), created as a signboard for the performance of wandering comedians. Gilles is the main and favorite character of the French comedy of masks. Consonant with Pierrot - the hero of the Italian comedy dell'arte. The clumsy, naive creature seems to have been specially created for the constant ridicule and tricks of the dexterous and cunning Harlequin. Artistically, the picture is written brilliantly. The ultimate simplicity of motif and composition is combined here with a precise pattern and a carefully thought-out color scheme. Antoine Watteau. Gilles Louvre. Paris. (The hero of the fair theater Gilles in the costume of Pierrot). Antoine Watteau. Gilles Louvre. Paris. (The hero of the fair theater Gilles in the costume of Pierrot).
Antoine Watteau. Capricious. Near the Hermitage. Petersburg.
Antoine Watteau. Mezzeten's Metropolitan Museum. NY.
Francois Boucher Francois Boucher () considered himself a faithful student of Watteau. Some called him "the artist of graces", "Anacreon of painting", "royal painter". Others saw him as a "hypocrite" artist, "who has everything but the truth." Still others skeptically remarked: "His hand picks roses where others find only thorns." Francois Boucher () considered himself a faithful student of Watteau. Some called him "the artist of graces", "Anacreon of painting", "royal painter". Others saw him as a "hypocrite" artist, "who has everything but the truth." Still others skeptically remarked: "His hand picks roses where others find only thorns."
The artist's brush belongs to a number of portraits of the mistress of King Louis XV, the Marquise de Pompadour. It is known that she patronized Bush, more than once ordered him paintings on religious subjects for country residences and Parisian mansions. In Madame de Pompadour, the heroine is depicted surrounded by scattered flowers and luxurious objects, reminiscent of her artistic tastes and hobbies. She reclines regally against the backdrop of lush, solemn draperies. The book in her hand is a clear hint of enlightenment and commitment to intellectual pursuits. The marquise generously thanked the artist. By appointing him the director of the Gobelin Manufactory, and then giving him the title of "the first painter of the king." It is known that she patronized Bush, more than once ordered him paintings on religious subjects for country residences and Parisian mansions. In Madame de Pompadour, the heroine is depicted surrounded by scattered flowers and luxurious objects, reminiscent of her artistic tastes and hobbies. She reclines regally against the backdrop of lush, solemn draperies. The book in her hand is a clear hint of enlightenment and commitment to intellectual pursuits. The marquise generously thanked the artist. Appointing him director of the Gobelin Manufactory, and then giving him the title of "the first painter of the king." Francois Bush. Madame de Pompadour Old Pinoteka, Munich.
Francois Boucher more than once turned to the depiction of frivolous scenes, the main characters of which were cutesy, shy shepherds or plump naked damsels in the form of mythological Venus and Diana. His paintings are replete with ambiguous hints, piquant details (the raised hem of the shepherd's satin skirt, the coquettishly raised leg of the bathing Diana, the finger pressed to the lips, the eloquent, inviting look, symbolically kissing doves, etc.) The artist knew the fashion and tastes of his era very well! Francois Boucher more than once turned to depicting frivolous scenes, the main characters of which were cutesy, shy shepherdesses or plump naked damsels in the form of mythological Venus and Diana. His paintings are replete with ambiguous hints, piquant details (the raised hem of the shepherd's satin skirt, the coquettishly raised leg of the bathing Diana, the finger pressed to the lips, the eloquent, inviting look, symbolically kissing doves, etc.) The artist knew the fashion and tastes of his era very well! Francois Bush. Bathing Diana. Louvre. Paris.
In the history of painting, Francois Boucher still remains a magnificent master of color and exquisite drawing. Witty solved compositions, unusual angles of characters, bizarre silhouettes of almost theatrical scenery, rich color accents, bright reflections of transparent colors applied in small, light strokes, smooth flowing rhythms - F. Boucher does all this consummate master painting. His paintings turn into decorative panels, decorate the lush interiors of halls and living rooms, they call to the world of happiness, love and beautiful dreams. In the history of painting, Francois Boucher still remains a magnificent master of color and exquisite drawing. Witty compositions, unusual angles of characters, bizarre silhouettes of almost theatrical scenery, rich color accents, bright reflections of transparent colors applied in small, light strokes, smooth flowing rhythms - all this makes F. Boucher an unsurpassed master of painting. His paintings turn into decorative panels, decorate the lush interiors of halls and living rooms, they call to the world of happiness, love and beautiful dreams. Francois Bush. Interrupted dream.
FRAGONARD Jean Honore French painter and engraver, the greatest master of the era of Louis XVI. became famous for his masterfully executed gallant and everyday scenes, in which the elegance of rococo is combined with fidelity to nature, the subtlety of light and air effects, and the majestic ancient ruins. Along with works created on the basis of real observations, he also creates improvising pastorals, he reproduces the scene with such vivacity that it seems to be written from life. FRAGONARD Jean Honore is a French painter and engraver, the greatest master of the era of Louis XVI. became famous for his masterfully executed gallant and everyday scenes, in which the elegance of rococo is combined with fidelity to nature, the subtlety of light and air effects, and the majestic ancient ruins. Along with works created on the basis of real observations, he also creates improvising pastorals, he reproduces the scene with such vivacity that it seems to be written from nature. FRAGONARD Jean Honore
ENGRE Jean Auguste Dominique (), French painter and draftsman. A brilliant master of composition, strict and delicate drawing, truthful, sharp-character portraits (“L. F. Bertin”, 1832). In the paintings he acted as the main representative of academic classicism (“The Apotheosis of Homer”, 1827). ENGRE Jean Auguste Dominique (), French painter and draftsman. A brilliant master of composition, strict and delicate drawing, truthful, sharp-character portraits (“L. F. Bertin”, 1832). In the paintings he acted as the main representative of academic classicism (The Apotheosis of Homer, 1827). In 1806, Ingres finally went to Italy, where he stayed on long years(Rome, Florence), enthusiastically studies the Italian art of the Renaissance, especially Raphael. Creates a number of masterpieces: portraits of "Granet" (1807, Aix-en-Provence); "Madame Devose" (1807, Condé Museum, Chantilly); Marcotte d'Argenteuil (1810, National Gallery, Washington); Cardier (1811, Louvre, Paris); Madame Zenon (1816, Museum in Nantes); Gurieva (1821, Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg) .In 1806, Ingres finally goes to Italy, where he stays for many years (Rome, Florence), enthusiastically studies Italian Renaissance art, especially Raphael.Creates a number of masterpieces: portraits of the "Granet" (1807, Aix-en-Provence) ; "Madame Devose" (1807, Condé Museum, Chantilly); "Marcotte d" Argenteuil "(1810, National Gallery, Washington); Cardier (1811, Louvre, Paris); "Madame Zenon" (1816, Museum in Nantes); "Guriev" (1821, Hermitage, St. Petersburg). Louis David. Portrait of the artist Ingres. Around 1800. Pushkin Museum. Moscow 26 Engr. Portrait of Count Guryev. Oil, canvas. Hermitage, Petersburg Ingres. Portrait of Count Guryev. Oil, canvas. Hermitage, Petersburg
Rococo decorative and applied art Meissen figurines Meissen figurines.
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fine arts The best works of the 18th century are characterized by an analysis of the finest human experiences, the reproduction of the nuances of feelings and moods. Intimacy, lyricism of images, but also analytical observation are characteristic features Art XVIII century, both in the portrait genre and in household painting. These properties of the artistic perception of life are the contribution of the 18th century to the development of world artistic culture, although it should be recognized that this was achieved at the cost of the loss of universal completeness in the depiction of spiritual life, integrity in the embodiment of the aesthetic views of society, characteristic of the painting of Rubens, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Poussin.
ROCOCO (“quaint”, “capricious”; French rococo from rocaille - fragments of stones, shells), a stylistic trend that dominated European art during the first three quarters of the 18th century. It was not so much an independent artistic phenomenon as a phase, a certain stage of the pan-European Baroque style. The term “rococo” arose in France at the end of the 18th century, during the heyday of classicism, as a contemptuous nickname for all mannered and pretentious art of the 18th century: a curved, capricious line resembling the outlines of a shell, its main feature. Rococo art is a world of fiction and intimate experiences, decorative theatricality, sophistication, sophisticated sophistication; there is no place for heroism and pathos in it; they are replaced by a game of love, fantasy, and lovely trinkets. The main themes of Rococo painting are the exquisite life of the court aristocracy, idyllic pictures of “shepherd’s” life against the backdrop of pristine nature, the world of complex love affairs and ingenious allegories. Human life is instantaneous and fleeting, and therefore it is necessary to catch the “happy moment”, hurry to live and feel. “The spirit of charming and airy little things” becomes the leitmotif of the work of many artists of the “royal style.
Francois Boucher Francois Boucher (1703-1770) considered himself a faithful disciple of Watteau. Some called him the “artist of graces”, “Anacreon of painting”, “royal painter”. Others saw in him an artist - a "hypocrite", "who has everything but the truth." Still others skeptically remarked: "His hand gathers roses where others find only thorns." François Boucher (1703-1770) considered himself a faithful student of Watteau. The artist's brush belongs to a number of portraits of the mistress of King Louis XV, the Marquise de Pompadour. It is known that she patronized Bush, more than once ordered him paintings on religious subjects for country residences and Parisian mansions. In Madame de Pompadour, the heroine is depicted surrounded by scattered flowers and luxurious objects, reminiscent of her artistic tastes and hobbies. She reclines regally against the backdrop of lush, solemn draperies. The book in her hand is a clear hint of enlightenment and commitment to intellectual pursuits. The marquise generously thanked the artist. By appointing him director of the Tapestry Manufactory, and then giving him the title of “the first painter of the king.
Francois Boucher more than once turned to the depiction of frivolous scenes, the main characters of which were cutesy, shy shepherds or plump naked damsels in the form of mythological Venus and Diana. His paintings are replete with ambiguous hints, piquant details (the raised hem of the shepherd's satin skirt, the coquettishly raised leg of the bathing Diana, the finger pressed to the lips, the eloquent, inviting look, symbolically kissing doves, etc.) The artist knew the fashion and tastes of his era very well!
In the history of painting, Francois Boucher still remains a magnificent master of color and exquisite drawing. Witty compositions, unusual angles of characters, bizarre silhouettes of almost theatrical scenery, rich color accents, bright reflections of transparent colors applied in small, light strokes, smooth flowing rhythms - all this makes F. Boucher an unsurpassed master of painting. His paintings turn into decorative panels, decorate the lush interiors of halls and living rooms, they call to the world of happiness, love and beautiful dreams.
FRAGONARD Jean Honore French painter and engraver, the greatest master of the era of Louis XVI. became famous for his masterfully executed gallant and everyday scenes, in which the elegance of rococo is combined with fidelity to nature, the subtlety of light and air effects, and the majestic ancient ruins. Along with works created on the basis of real observations, he also creates improvising pastorals, he reproduces the scene with such vivacity that it seems to be written from nature.
Antoine Watteau- contemporaries called "the poet of careless leisure" and "gallant festivities", "the singer of grace and beauty". In his works, he captured picnics in evergreen parks, musical and theatrical concerts in the bosom of nature, passionate confessions and quarrels of lovers, idyllic dates, balls and masquerades. At the same time, there is a poignant sadness in his paintings. Feeling the transience of beauty and ephemerality of what is happening.
Watteau found himself, his theme, when he arrived in Paris: these are the so-called gallant festivities - an aristocratic society in the park, playing music, dancing, idle; painting, in which there seems to be no action, no plot - scenes of a carefree life, conveyed with refined grace. All this is seen as if from the side by a thin, slightly ironic observer with a touch of melancholy and sadness. Watteau's coloring - one of the strongest qualities of his talent - is built on subtle nuances of gray, brown, pale lilac, yellow-pink tones. There is never a pure tone in Watteau's paintings. As in color, all the subtlest shades of love feelings are given. In 1717, the artist created one of the largest works "Pilgrimage to the island of Cythera". This picture reflects the finest palette of feelings, which, first of all, is created by the color itself. But all this is not love, but a game of love, a theater.
Fedor Stepanovich Rokotov- the famous Russian portrait painter, Academician of painting of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (1765). The life of Fyodor Stepanovich Rokotov, the most poetic portrait painter of the 18th century, remained a mystery for a long time. The artist, who enjoyed great fame during his lifetime, was forgotten for a whole century after his death.
His paintings are in many museums of large and small cities in Russia and, unfortunately, beautiful portraits are called "Portrait of an Unknown Woman". The formation of the personality of F.S. Rokotov was influenced by his acquaintance with M.V. Lomonosov. It seems that the theme of human dignity, which sounds so clearly in the portraits of Rokotov, was determined not without the influence of a brilliant scientist and writer, such as Lomonosov was. Only the 20th century returned the name of F.S. Rokotov to Russian art. But even now, many people know about him as the author of one or two paintings.
William Hogarth- English graphic artist and genre painter, founder and major representative of the national school of painting, Hogarth - an outstanding illustrator, author of satirical engravings, discoverer of new genres in painting and graphics. He became famous for his satirical drawings and realistic portraits. The artist, who was influenced by the ideas of the philosophers of the Enlightenment, subordinated many of his works to the task of educating the moral principle in man and eradicating vices with the help of artistic creativity.
The most famous works of William Hogarth: a series of engravings “Fashionable Marriage”, “Prostitute Career”, “Mot Career”, “Parliamentary Elections”, engravings “Beer Street”, “Gin Lane”, “Characters and Caricatures”, paintings “Self-Portrait”, “Portrait of Captain Korem” , “Girl with shrimps”.
"Gallant genre" - Rococo painting
Masters of the "gallant genre" ROCOCO ("quaint", "capricious"; French rococo from rocaille - fragments of stones, shells), a stylistic trend that dominated European art during the first three quarters of the 18th century. It was not so much an independent artistic phenomenon as a phase, a certain stage of the pan-European Baroque style. The term "rococo" arose in France at the end of the 18th century, during the heyday of classicism, as a contemptuous nickname for all mannered and pretentious art of the 18th century: a curved, capricious line resembling the outlines of a shell is its main feature. Rococo art is a world of fiction and intimate experiences, decorative theatricality, sophistication, sophisticated sophistication, there is no place for heroism and pathos in it - they are replaced by a game of love, fantasy, lovely trinkets. The main themes of Rococo painting are the exquisite life of the court aristocracy, idyllic pictures of "shepherd's" life against the backdrop of pristine nature, the world of complex love affairs and ingenious allegories. Human life is instantaneous and fleeting, and therefore it is necessary to catch the "happy moment", hurry to live and feel. “The spirit of charming and airy little things” becomes the leitmotif of the work of many artists of the “royal style.
Antoine Watteau Antoine Watteau - contemporaries called "the poet of careless leisure" and "gallant festivities", "the singer of grace and beauty." In his works, he captured picnics in evergreen parks, musical and theatrical concerts in the bosom of nature, passionate confessions and quarrels of lovers, idyllic dates, balls and masquerades. At the same time, there is a poignant sadness in his paintings. Feeling the transience of beauty and ephemerality of what is happening.
Antoine Watteau. Pilgrimage to the island of Cythera. 1717-1718 Louvre. Paris. One of the artist's famous paintings is Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera. Charming ladies and gallant gentlemen gathered on the flower-strewn shore of the sea bay. They sailed to the island of Cythera - the island of the goddess of love and beauty Venus, where, according to legend, she came out of the sea foam. Warm, soft colors, muted colors, light brush strokes - all this creates a special atmosphere of charm and love.
The painting by Watteau "Gilles" ("Pierrot"), created as a signboard for the performance of itinerant comedians, belongs to the authentic shedauras. Gilles is the main and favorite character of the French comedy of masks. Consonant with Pierrot - the hero of the Italian comedy dell'arte. The clumsy, naive creature seems to have been specially created for the constant ridicule and tricks of the dexterous and cunning Harlequin. Artistically, the picture is written brilliantly. The ultimate simplicity of motif and composition is combined here with a precise pattern and a carefully thought-out color scheme. Antoine Watteau. Gilles. 1721. Louvre. Paris. (The hero of the fair theater Gilles in the costume of Pierrot).
Antoine Watteau. Italian comedians.
Antoine Watteau. Actors of the French theater.
Antoine Watteau. Gamma love.
Antoine Watteau. Capricious. Around 1718. Hermitage. Petersburg.
Antoine Watteau. Mezzetin. 1717-1719 Metropolitan Museum. NY.
Antoine Watteau. Savoyard with a marmot.
Francois Boucher Francois Boucher (1703-1770) considered himself a faithful student of Watteau. Some called him "the artist of graces", "Anacreon of painting", "royal painter". Others saw him as a "hypocrite" artist, "who has everything but the truth." Still others skeptically remarked: "His hand picks roses where others find only thorns."
The artist's brush belongs to a number of portraits of the mistress of King Louis XV, the Marquise de Pompadour. It is known that she patronized Bush, more than once ordered him paintings on religious subjects for country residences and Parisian mansions. In Madame de Pompadour, the heroine is depicted surrounded by scattered flowers and luxurious objects, reminiscent of her artistic tastes and hobbies. She reclines regally against the backdrop of lush, solemn draperies. The book in her hand is a clear hint of enlightenment and commitment to intellectual pursuits. The marquise generously thanked the artist. Appointing him director of the Gobelin Manufactory, and then giving him the title of "the first painter of the king." Francois Bush. Madame de Pompadour. 1756 Old Pinoteka, Munich.
Francois Boucher more than once turned to the depiction of frivolous scenes, the main characters of which were cutesy, shy shepherds or plump naked damsels in the form of mythological Venus and Diana. His paintings are replete with ambiguous hints, piquant details (the raised hem of the shepherd's satin skirt, the coquettishly raised leg of the bathing Diana, the finger pressed to the lips, the eloquent, inviting look, symbolically kissing doves, etc.) The artist knew the fashion and tastes of his era very well! Francois Bush. Bathing Diana. . 1742. Louvre. Paris.
In the history of painting, Francois Boucher still remains a magnificent master of color and exquisite drawing. Witty compositions, unusual angles of characters, bizarre silhouettes of almost theatrical scenery, rich color accents, bright reflections of transparent colors applied in small, light strokes, smooth flowing rhythms - all this makes F. Boucher an unsurpassed master of painting. His paintings turn into decorative panels, decorate the lush interiors of halls and living rooms, they call to the world of happiness, love and beautiful dreams. Francois Bush. Interrupted dream.
Francois Bush. Pan and Syringa.
FRAGONARD Jean Honore French painter and engraver, the greatest master of the era of Louis XVI. became famous for his masterfully executed gallant and everyday scenes, in which the elegance of rococo is combined with fidelity to nature, the subtlety of light and air effects, and the majestic ancient ruins. Along with works created on the basis of real observations, he also creates pastorals - improvising, he reproduces the scene with such vivacity that it seems to be written from nature. FRAGONARD Jean Honore
Fragonard. Crowned lover.
Fragonard. Sneak kiss
Fragonard. Psyche shows the sisters the gifts of Cupid.
Honore Fragonard. "Swing" 1766.
Fragonard. Music lesson
ENGRE Jean Auguste Dominique (1780-1867), French painter and draftsman. A brilliant master of composition, strict and delicate drawing, truthful, sharp-character portraits (“L. F. Bertin”, 1832). In the paintings he acted as the main representative of academic classicism (The Apotheosis of Homer, 1827). In 1806, Ingres finally traveled to Italy, where he remained for many years (1806-20 - Rome, 1820-24 - Florence), enthusiastically studying Italian Renaissance art, especially Raphael. Creates a number of masterpieces: portraits of the "Granet" (1807, Aix-en-Provence); "Madame Devose" (1807, Condé Museum, Chantilly); Marcotte d'Argenteuil (1810, National Gallery, Washington); Cardier (1811, Louvre, Paris); Madame Zenon (1816, Museum in Nantes); Gurieva (1821, Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg) Louis David Portrait of the Painter Ingres circa 1800 Pushkin Museum Moscow
Ingres. Large odalisque. 1814 Oil, canvas. Louvre, Paris.
Ingres. Source
Ingres. Portrait of Count Guriev. 1821. Oil, canvas. Hermitage, Petersburg
Decorative and applied art Rococo Meissen figurines.
Rococo furniture
Rococo furniture. Winter Palace. Saint Petersburg.
Questions and assignments: A. Watteau is a painter of joy and sadness. "The Artist of Graces" - F. Boucher. Decorative and applied art of Rococo. Write an essay on the topic “What could the heroes of Antoine Watteau's paintings dream about and talk about.
GALLANT GENRE
GALLANT GENRE gallant festivities (fr. fetes galantes) - a kind of everyday genre that has ancient roots. G.'s predecessors. are originated in Europe in the 14th - 16th centuries. images of the "Garden of Love", plots of miniatures, tapestries, engravings, wall and easel painting: ladies and gentlemen walking, playing music, exchanging courtesies in a flowering garden: a miniature in the Luxurious Hours of the Duke of Berry by the Limburg brothers (c. 1411 - 1416, Museum Conde, Chantilly), "The Month of April", a fresco by Francesco del Cossa (1469 - 1470, Scifanoya Castle in Ferrara), a painting by Giorgione "Country Concert" (c. 1506 - 1510, Louvre). In the painting by Peter Paul Rubens "The Garden of Love" (c. 1632 - 1635, Prado), the main features of G. are anticipated. But actually the style of G.. formed at the beginning 18th century in the work of Antoine Watteau and his school in France, from where it spread to many European countries ("Pilgrimage to Cythera", 1717, Louvre, and love scenes in Watteau's park landscapes). Stylized, sometimes grotesque reminiscences of G.zh. characteristic of the painting and graphics of the "World of Art" (K. A. Somov, D. I. Mitrokhin).
