The Clothes are Italian

1715–16

This object has related works. See

and Charles Simonneau

(French, 1645–1728)

Culture

France, 18th century

Medium

etching and engraving

Support

Laid paper

Measurements

Platemark: 30.5 x 21.3 cm (12 x 8 3/8 in.); Sheet: 37.2 x 26.9 cm (14 5/8 x 10 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund 2011.11

Catalogue raisonné

Dacier and Vuaflart, 130

State

IV/VI

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Jean-Antoine Watteau’s compositions often reference theater and music.

Description

Actors dressed as stock characters from the Italian commedia dell’arte and the French popular theater take their final bow in this print. Known for their comic plots and improvisational satire, the Italian players were banned in France from 1697 until 1716 after one of their productions was thought to criticize King Louis XIV’s mistress. Still in demand with French audiences, some of the characters and stories were adapted into the less regulated performances. Before the print’s publication, Jean-Antoine Watteau’s etched composition was finished by professional engraver Charles Simonneau. While Simonneau’s precise dots and crosshatched lines clarify the details of the print, the spontaneity and freedom of Watteau’s etched lines better express the sense of whimsy and play that characterizes the subject matter.