Why did Watteau paint the embarkation for Cythera?
Clearly, Watteau intended The Embarkation for Cythera to give the notion of a fine fantasy. Watteau was known for using a light and airy brushstroke to create his hazy dream-like atmospheres. This is particularly evident in the wispy clouds and lazy leaves. The landscape's bright palette echoes that of 16th century Venetian paintings.
Who was Watteau to painting?
Ease and intimacy also flourished in the theatre, and what Watteau was to painting, the dramatist Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux (1688-1763) was to the stage. His first comedy, performed in 1720, was entitled Arlequin poli par L'Amour.
How does Watteau portray Cythera in the Odyssey?
Watteau's portrayal of Cythera is perhaps the best deception the most vivid imagination could conjure up. His is an island of love, a paradise decorated with brightly colored landscapes that would enchant even the most plutonic friends to accept the invitation of love.
What size is Antoine Watteau's pilgrimage to Cythera?
Antoine Watteau, Pilgrimage to Cythera, 1717, oil on canvas, 4' 3" x 6' 4 1/2" (Louvre, Paris). oil on canvas, 4' 3" x 6' 4 1/2" (Louvre, Paris). Speakers: Dr. Steven Zucker & Dr. Beth Harris.
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What type of painting is Pilgrimage to Cythera?
History paintingGenre artThe Embarkation for Cythera/Genres
Is return from Cythera Rococo?
Watteau (1684-1721), who died only at the age of thirty-six had the most profound influence on the Rococo Period in spite of his short life. Rising from a relatively unprivileged, rural background.
Why was Pygrimage painted to Cythera?
Jean-Antoine Watteau submitted Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera in 1717 to the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. It was his morceau de réception, or entry piece, to gain admission to the prestigious institution.
Which artist painted the pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera?
Antoine WatteauAntoine Watteau, Pilgrimage to Cythera, 1717, oil on canvas, 4' 3" x 6' 4 1/2" (Louvre, Paris).
What are the characteristics of Rococo art?
French Rococo painting in general was characterized by easygoing, lighthearted treatments of mythological and courtship themes, rich and delicate brushwork, a relatively light tonal key, and sensuous colouring. Rococo sculpture was notable for its intimate scale, its naturalism, and its varied surface effects.
What style was Pygrimage to Cythera?
The Pilgrimage to Cythera is neither a genre painting nor a landscape painting, but a new type of picture known as La fete galante (a sort of allegory of courtship and falling in love).
Which painting is an example of a fête galante?
Fête galante is a French term used to describe a type of painting which first came to prominence with Antoine Watteau, whose reception piece at the Academy of 1717, 'The Embarkation for the Island of Cythera', was described as representing 'une fête galante'.
Where was Pygrimage Cythera painted?
A second version of the work, sometimes called Pilgrimage to Cythera to distinguish it, was painted by Watteau about 1718 or 1719 and is in the Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin.
What is Cythera in Greek mythology?
Cythera is a small Greek island, southeast of the Peloponnesus, and a legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite (Venus). The word Cytherean was first applied to the goddess and later, due to word taboo, to the planet Venus that had been named after the goddess.
What type of artwork was common in the American colonies?
Portraiture remained the most popular type of painting throughout the colonial period.
What does the word Rococo describe?
What does the word Rococo describe? a fanciful, refined, and playful style.
What is the medium of the Pilgrimage to Cythera?
PaintingThe Embarkation for Cythera / FormPainting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface. The medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush, but other implements, such as knives, sponges, and airbrushes, can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. Wikipedia
When did Watteau submit his painting?
Finally, in January 1717, the Academy called Watteau to task, and in August of that year he presented his painting, which had been painted quickly in the preceding eight months. Once submitted, the painting caused the Academy to invent a new classification for it, since the subject was so striking and new.
Where is the painting of Cythera?
The painting is now in the Louvre in Paris. A second version of the work, sometimes called Pilgrimage to Cythera to distinguish it, was painted by Watteau about 1718 or 1719 and is in the Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin.
What does the Embarkation for Cythera represent?
The Embarkation for Cythera (Louvre version): Many commentators note that it depicts a departure from the island of Cythera, the birthplace of Venus, thus symbolizing the temporary nature of human happiness.
What is the Greek island of Cythera?
In the ancient world, Cythera, one of the Greek islands, was thought to be the birthplace of Venus, goddess of love. Thus, the island became sacred to the goddess and love. However, the subject of Cythera may have been inspired by certain 17th century operas or an illustration of a minor play.
What is the meaning of pilgrimage to Cythera?
Pilgrimage to Cythera is an embellished repetition of Watteau's earlier painting, and demonstrates the frivolity and sensuousness of Rococo painting. (c. 1718-19, Berlin) The painting portrays a " fête galante "; an amorous celebration or party enjoyed by the aristocracy of France after the death of Louis XIV, which is generally seen as a period ...
What is the meaning of the painting "Embarkation for Cythera"?
The Embarkation for Cythera (Louvre version): Many commentators note that it depicts a departure from the island of Cy thera, the birthplace of Venus, thus symbolizing the temporary nature of human happiness . The Embarkation for Cythera ("L'embarquement pour Cythère") is a painting by the French painter Jean-Antoine Watteau.
Where is the embarquement for Cythera?
Watteau submitted this work to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture as his reception piece in 1717. The painting is now in the Louvre in Paris.
Who painted the voyage to Cythera?
Antoine Watteau. ... The Embarkation for Cythera ("L'Embarquement pour Cythère") is a painting by the French painter Jean-Antoine Watteau. It is also known as Voyage to Cythera and Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera. Watteau submitted this work to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture as his reception piece in 1717.
When did Watteau submit his painting?
Finally, in January, 1717 , the Academy called Watteau to task, and in August of that year he presented his painting, which had been painted quickly in the preceding eight months. Once submitted, the painting caused the Academy to invent a new classification for it, since the subject was so striking and new.
What is the Greek island of Cythera?
In the ancient world, Cythera, one of the Greek islands, was thought to be the birthplace of Venus, goddess of love. Thus, the island became sacred to the goddess and love. However, the subject of Cythera may have been inspired by certain 17th century operas or an illustration of a minor play.
Where is the Watteau painting?
This work is now in the Städtische Galerie im Städelschen Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt-am-Main.
Where is the painting of Cythera?
The painting is now in the Louvre in Paris. A second version of the work, sometimes called Pilgrimage to Cythera to distinguish it, was painted by Watteau about 1718 or 1719 and is in the Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin.
Who said the charming paintings of this gracious painter would be a bad guide for whoever wished to paint the
Charles-Antoine Coypel , the son of its then director, later said: "The charming paintings of this gracious painter would be a bad guide for whoever wished to paint the Acts of the Apostles.". This is a part of the Wikipedia article used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Unported License (CC-BY-SA).
Did Watteau have freedom?
Although he was given unusual freedom in choosing a subject for his painting, his failure to submit a work brought several reprimands. Meanwhile, Watteau worked on numerous private commissions that his rising reputation brought him.
Who was Watteau in the Isle of Cythera?
Jean-Antoine Watteau, Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera, 1717, Musée du Louvre, Paris. Detail. To the further left is the third and final couple of the immediate foreground. In many people’s opinions they are the most attractive couple of the three.
What was Watteau's piece of art?
It was his morceau de réception, or entry piece , to gain admission to the prestigious institution. The painting caused quite a stir with its vibrant colours, bold brushstrokes, and hazy atmosphere.
What does the blue cape on Aphrodite's statue mean?
The lady and gentleman sit on the grass and are in an intimate conversation. On the man’s shoulder, his blue cape is embroidered with a heart pierced by an arrow. It symbolizes his love-struck intentions with this young lady.
What was Watteau's style?
His use of bold brushstrokes was daring. Watteau’s style influenced French painters throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. His themes of courtship, falling in love, and love’s triumph are magnificently fused together in Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera.
Where is Aphrodite in the painting?
Aphrodite…. Jean-Antoine Watteau, Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera, 1717, Musée du Louvre, Paris. Detail. The background to these flirtatious aristocrats is the sacred Greek island of Cythera where Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was allegedly born. A statue of the goddess stands on the right side of the painting overlooking all who visit her ...
Who was the most influential French painter of the 18th century?
Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684 – 1721) was the most influential French painter of the 18th century. His painting Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera captures the frivolity and sensuousness of Rococo painting, but it also captures the stages and growing nature of love. Let us explore a Watteau masterpiece. Let us explore a Rococo romance.
What does the barge do to Aphrodite?
The barge will soon take the lovers away from Aphrodite’s island, and return them to the society of the outside world. The voyage may be calm like enduring love, or may be stormy like jealous fury. Such a journey of happy lovers returning together has a historical precedent.
What was Watteau's intention for the journey for Cythera?
Clearly, Watteau intended The Embarkation for Cythera to give the notion of a fine fantasy. Brushstrokes: Watteau was known for using a light and airy brushstroke to create his hazy dream-like atmospheres. This is particularly evident in the wispy clouds and lazy leaves.
What was Jean-Antoine Watteau's Embarkation for Cythera about?
Jean-Antoine Watteau's Embarkation for Cythera caused a major reaction after its completion in 1717. Centuries later art critics are still focusing on Watteau's work.#N#Proof that Watteau still draws the interest of modern day art critics can be seen in the many recently published books whose contents are in complete dedication to his work.#N#Such positive reflections can be read in Jed Perl's 2008 publication, Antoine's Alphabet: Watteau and His World. The admiration doesn't stop there. Acclaimed British art historian, Sir Michael Levey, said "Watteau created, unwittingly, the concept of the individualist artist loyal to himself, and himself alone."#N#Watteau's Embarkation for Cythera received probably the best reaction any artist could dream of, especially a young, undiscovered one.#N#The judges of the Academy judging his reception piece were shocked by what they saw - Watteau's chromatic theatrical universe. They were pleasantly delighted, conjuring up the inspired title "fétes galantes" (lively, gallant party) and accepting Watteau under this new genre. They felt he truly was in a category of his own.#N#Jean-Antoine Watteau is attributed to extending the bounds of 18th century French-born artistic period Rococo, beyond architecture, furniture and sculpture and into painting. He developed a unique style and revolutionized the art world through his individuality. This was seen not only in the themes of his work (very theatrically influenced) but also in his style (ornate, airy).
What is the journey for Cythera about?
Antoine Watteau. The Embarkation for Cythera is an allegorical love story at its finest. What better place could Watteau have selected for young lovers to go than to Cythera, the beautiful Greek island of love? Historians still debate whether the pilgrims are on their way to the island or in fact preparing to leave.
What is the inspiration for the journey for Cythera?
Houdar de la Motte's opera ballet seems a more likely inspiration for The Embarkation for Cythera as it featured stock characters of the Commedia dell'Arte and other pilgrims who accepted the invitation to the island of love. Watteau pursued both of these themes.
What is Jean-Antoine Watteau's style?
Jean-Antoine Watteau is attributed to extending the bounds of 18th century French-born artistic period Rococo, beyond architecture, furniture and sculpture and into painting. He developed a unique style and revolutionized the art world through his individuality.
Where was Cythera's Embarkation?
Paris. Embarkation for Cythera remained in the possession of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture until it was moved to the Musee du Louvre (previously known was the Museum Central des Arts de la Republique) in 1793, 76 years after its completion.
Who said Watteau created the concept of the individualist artist loyal to himself and himself alone?
Acclaimed British art historian, Sir Michael Levey, said "Watteau created, unwittingly, the concept of the individualist artist loyal to himself, and himself alone.". Watteau's Embarkation for Cythera received probably the best reaction any artist could dream of, especially a young, undiscovered one.
Why did Allen paint the Return from Cythera?
He decided to paint a second version because he felt the first, painted in 1975-7, was too small for the subject matter and that the trees lacked the appropriate tonality. In keeping with his lifelong practice, he used highly traditional techniques to paint ...
What is the meaning of Cythera in Greek mythology?
In Greek mythology Cythera was the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of erotic love, beauty and fertility, and was thus associated with these themes. Watteau's painting, which is full of references to sexual desire, depicts a group of noble men and women setting out on a journey to Cythera; Allen's shows the return.
What color is Titian's sky?
The sky and the figures are all rendered in exceptionally brilliant colours. Titian's use of colour was partly informed by Renaissance symbolism; for example, blue, found predominantly in the sky and dress of Ariadne, often signified the divine or cosmic, while red, used in the clothing of Bacchus's entourage, denoted the flesh.
Who is the artist who refers to Bacchus and Ariadne?
While Watteau 's painting refers obliquely to Bacchus and Ariadne through the incorporation of various motifs associated with it, Allen's borrows the basic composition of Titian's painting and emulates its palette. Further reading.
Where did the painting of Didcot come from?
The title and some of the imagery of the painting are derived from Jean-Antoine Watteau's (1684-1721) Embarkation for Cythera.
Who is the artist who painted Bacchus?
Allen's painting is also closely related to Titian's (c.1487-1576) Bacchus and Ariadne (National Gallery, London), as is Watteau's. In Titi an's painting Bacchus, in a chariot drawn by two cheetahs, emerges with his followers from woods on the right of the picture.
What is gesso on canvas?
Fine linen canvas is stretched over a stretcher, sized and primed with a water soluble gesso. The gesso retains some of the canvas texture and feint brushstrokes from its application. In some areas it has penetrated through the canvas forming small nodules at the back.
Overview
The Embarkation for Cythera ("L'embarquement pour Cythère") is a painting by the French painter Jean-Antoine Watteau. It is also known as Voyage to Cythera and Pilgrimage to the Isle of Cythera. Watteau submitted this work to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture as his reception piece in 1717. The painting is now in the Louvre in Paris. A second version of the work, sometimes called Pilgr…
Subject
The painting portrays a "fête galante"; an amorous celebration or party enjoyed by the aristocracy of France after the death of Louis XIV, which is generally seen as a period of dissipation and pleasure, and peace, after the sombre last years of the previous reign.
The work celebrates love, with many cupids flying around the couples and pus…
History
It was around 1717 that Watteau painted his first, more literal version of the theme, which nonetheless bears a compositional similarity to the Louvre painting. This work is now in the Städtische Galerie im Städelschen Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt-am-Main.
When Watteau was accepted as a member of the Academy in 1714, he was expected to present the customary reception piece. Although he was given unusual freedom in choosing a subject fo…
Popularity
In years after Watteau’s death, his art fell out of fashion. During the French Revolution, some eighty years after the work was painted, his depictions of lavishly set pastoral escapades were associated with the old days of the monarchy and a frivolous aristocracy. This particular piece, which had entered the collection of the Louvre in 1795, was used by art students for target practice; an account by Pierre-Nolasque Bergeret (1782–1863) describes the drawing students throwing brea…
Derivative works
In 1904 Claude Debussy wrote a piece for solo piano titled "L'Isle Joyeuse", which may have been inspired by the painting; the colorful and brilliant piano writing depicts the ecstasy of the lovers. Four decades later, Debussy's compatriot Francis Poulenc wrote a lively piece for two pianos which took the name of the painting for its title, "L'Embarquement pour Cythere".
On screen
''Les secrets de la fête galante. Le pèlerinage à l'île de Cythère, film by Alain Jaubert from Palettes series (1995).
Further reading
• Camesasca, Ettore, ed. (1971). The Complete Paintings of Watteau. Classics of the World's Great Art. Introduction by John Sunderland. New York: Harry N. Abrams. pp. 116–117, 120. ISBN 0810955253. OCLC 143069 – via the Internet Archive. Cat. nos. 168, 185.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
• Cowart, Georgia (September 2001). "Watteau's "Pilgrimage to Cythera" and the Subversive Utopia of the Opera-Ballet". The Art Bulletin. 83 (3): 461–478. doi:10.23…
• Camesasca, Ettore, ed. (1971). The Complete Paintings of Watteau. Classics of the World's Great Art. Introduction by John Sunderland. New York: Harry N. Abrams. pp. 116–117, 120. ISBN 0810955253. OCLC 143069 – via the Internet Archive. Cat. nos. 168, 185.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
• Cowart, Georgia (September 2001). "Watteau's "Pilgrimage to Cythera" and the Subversive Utopia of the Opera-Ballet". The Art Bulletin. 83 (3): 461–478. doi:10.2307/3177238. J…
External links
• Embarkation for Cythera story, theme and analysis
• Louvre: Pilgrimage to Cythera
• Web Gallery of Art: Pilgrimage to Cythera