Le Théâtre d'Eau
1746
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Rigaud
Jean-Baptiste Rigaud (1681–1812) was an artist.
See the richer artist page1746
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Le Théâtre d'Eau is a 1746 ink by Jean-Baptiste Rigaud, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a grand outdoor stage surrounded by rows of fountains shooting water high into the air. People in fancy 17th-century clothes stand around, watching the show—some in carriages, others on foot. Trees line the background, and the whole scene looks like a busy, lively performance in a park. The title *Le Théâtre d’Eau* means "Water Theatre," and the fountains aren’t just decorative—they’re part of the act. The artist used a mix of sharp lines and shading to make it look real, almost like a stage set. If you like this, check out the technique: etching, drypoint, aquatint.
Jean-Baptiste Rigaud (1681–1812) was an artist.
See the richer artist page
