Watteau, Music, and Theater at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Watteau, Music, and Theater at the Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently presented Watteau, Music and Theater, an exhibition that captured the spirit of the reign of Louis XV. Curators described the era as one of “lush artistry,” and the selected artworks certainly lived up to that characterization.
Entering the European Paintings Galleries, visitors encountered elegantly blue walls displaying a wealth of theatrical and musical scenes. Theater characters performed dramatically on both indoor and outdoor stages while crowds observed with enthusiasm. Private concerts offered intimate glimpses into eighteenth-century homes.
The influence of Claude Gillot
Antoine Watteau began his career working alongside theater painter Claude Gillot (1673–1722). Gillot created many scenes based on the Comédie Italienne, including La Scène des deux carrosse, which appeared in this exhibition. The piece balances intense emotion with genuine absurdity. Facial expressions, exaggerated postures, and quick, energetic lines suggest the drawing might have been made during a live theatrical performance.
The show allowed viewers to understand the creative environment that shaped Watteau’s development as an artist. His familiar images of Pierrot—a melancholy yet graceful figure—appeared at least three times throughout the galleries. Especially striking was his Foursome, which raised playful questions about what exactly was being shown to the ladies. Other notable recurring characters included Harlequin and Crispin.
Lancrets and other highlights
While Watteau’s works were satisfying and numerous, many visitors found themselves especially drawn to the paintings of Nicolas Lancret. His Concert at the Oval Salon of Pierre Crozat rewards close inspection of both the figures’ expressions and the floor tiles. Lancret also contributed Crozat's Chateau at Montmorency and Concert in Paris Home of Pierre Crozat, both completed in 1720. Pierre Crozat was an enthusiastic art collector of considerable fortune, and Watteau lived with the family under his patronage for a time. Crozat’s great-niece was Louise-Honorine Crozat.
The exhibition brought together paintings, prints, and porcelains that presented masquerades, opera, comedy, and intimate concerts with rosy-cheeked performers. Popular works included Watteau’s The Island of Cythera and his Mezzetin.
The show offered a thorough afternoon’s entertainment, and the organizers cautioned visitors not to miss the chance to see it. It remained on view until November 29. For those unable to attend, the exhibition catalog and selected works were made available online.