Jean Antoine Watteau (French, 1684–1721)

Born in 1684 in Valenciennes, Watteau was the son of a roofer. His early subjects included street charlatans, which helped develop his keen sense of observation.¹

Jean-Antoine Watteau moved from Valenciennes to Paris around 1702 and was active there.²

Around 1705, Watteau became an assistant to Claude Gillot, who introduced him to the world of Commedia dell'arte, a subject that became a lifelong passion.¹

Watteau is credited with inventing the 'fêtes galantes' genre, featuring scenes of bucolic charm and theatrical air where elegant figures gather in idyllic settings.¹

For his admission to the Academy, Watteau submitted 'Pilgrimage to Cythera.' The category of 'fêtes galantes' was specifically created to accommodate this masterpiece.¹

His final masterpiece, 'Gersaint's Shop-sign,' was painted in just eight days, working only in the mornings, supposedly to 'warm up his fingers' despite his failing health.¹

Frail since childhood, Watteau died at age 36 in 1721. In his final days, he reportedly clutched a brush and painted imaginary scenes in the air while semi-conscious.¹