Art History

The Liminality of Antoine Watteau and His Quietly Subversive Influence on the Rococo

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Subject Area

Art History

Start Date

11-4-2014 11:00 AM

End Date

11-4-2014 12:00 PM

Description

Antoine Watteau, a French Rococo painter (1684-1721), worked in a manner consistent with the ideals of Rococo art. He was, however, quietly subversive, making comment on the actions of the monarchy, the aristocracy, and the influence of the two on society's lower classes. He did this through his unique position in society and through the development of fêtes galantes, paintings depicting aristocratic leisure gatherings of the same name during which participants would enjoy conversation and theatrical entertainment. Watteau occupied a liminal space in late 16th and early 17th century Paris—a space formed by his artistic genius and historical circumstances. His prowess as an artist and connections allowed him access to the aristocracy and upper class activities such as the fête galante. However, social conventions gave him only access through observation. Watteau capitalized on his role as a liminal figure, making place in an "in-between space." An observer on the fringes of high-class circles, Watteau's keen observations led to a critical analysis of people's actions, which appear as veiled social commentary in his paintings. Broader circumstances also contributed to Watteau's subtle subversions. The artist lived in a time where the art world was shifting as much as the Parisian aristocracy—an environment ripe for change. This study analyzes Watteau's formal and stylistic choices in his fêtes galantes, which came to life through his liminal existence and precipitated changes both inside and outside of the art academy.

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Apr 11th, 11:00 AM Apr 11th, 12:00 PM

The Liminality of Antoine Watteau and His Quietly Subversive Influence on the Rococo

Indianapolis, IN

Antoine Watteau, a French Rococo painter (1684-1721), worked in a manner consistent with the ideals of Rococo art. He was, however, quietly subversive, making comment on the actions of the monarchy, the aristocracy, and the influence of the two on society's lower classes. He did this through his unique position in society and through the development of fêtes galantes, paintings depicting aristocratic leisure gatherings of the same name during which participants would enjoy conversation and theatrical entertainment. Watteau occupied a liminal space in late 16th and early 17th century Paris—a space formed by his artistic genius and historical circumstances. His prowess as an artist and connections allowed him access to the aristocracy and upper class activities such as the fête galante. However, social conventions gave him only access through observation. Watteau capitalized on his role as a liminal figure, making place in an "in-between space." An observer on the fringes of high-class circles, Watteau's keen observations led to a critical analysis of people's actions, which appear as veiled social commentary in his paintings. Broader circumstances also contributed to Watteau's subtle subversions. The artist lived in a time where the art world was shifting as much as the Parisian aristocracy—an environment ripe for change. This study analyzes Watteau's formal and stylistic choices in his fêtes galantes, which came to life through his liminal existence and precipitated changes both inside and outside of the art academy.