Artwork
A Shepherd and Shepherdess Seated under a Tree
A Shepherd and Shepherdess Seated under a Tree is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Jean Antoine Watteau. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: Antoine Watteau
About this work
Overview
A Shepherd and Shepherdess Seated under a Tree is a drawing by Antoine Watteau, created around 1710, and is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a tender scene of two figures, a shepherd and shepherdess, seated together under a tree, holding hands. The simplicity of the figures and the subtlety of the surroundings evoke a sense of intimacy and tranquility.
Technique & Style
Executed in red and black chalk on laid paper, the drawing features soft, loose lines and a warm, sketchy quality. The artist's use of limited colors and subtle texture creates a sense of informality, suggesting a study or preparatory work rather than a finished piece.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Antoine Watteau was a French painter and draughtsman whose brief career spurred the revival of interest in colour and movement, as seen in the tradition of Correggio and Rubens.
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