Antoine Watteau (1684 -1721) France

Antoine Watteau was a French artist and draftsman who, despite his death at age 36, was able to leave a big impression on the history of art. Watteau apprenticed with Claude Gillot and later with Claude Audran III, who helped him further develop his artistic abilities.
Watteau was in the transition period between Baroque and Rococo. He was skilled in the use of color and, under the inspiration of the early colorists such as Rubens, he came to create new playful motifs.
Watteau is best known for his “fêtes galantes” (gallant parties), a type of motif that portrays people in nature, often in the setting of a peaceful, happy, harmonious and theatrical mood. He also drew inspiration from sadness and melancholy of the Italian comedy.
Watteau's art is represented at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The British Museum and elsewhere.