Who painted Scene from "The Tomb of Master André"?

Scene from "The Tomb of Master André" was painted by Claude Gillot in 1706.

Where can I see Scene from "The Tomb of Master André"?

Scene from "The Tomb of Master André" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Scene from "The Tomb of Master André"?

Scene from "The Tomb of Master André" is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Scene from "The Tomb of Master André"

Claude Gillot , 1706

Scene from "The Tomb of Master André" is a watercolor drawing by the Baroque artist Claude Gillot. It dates from 1706 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1706 by French artist Claude Gillot, this drawing combines red chalk, watercolor, pen and black ink, with touches of white gouache on laid paper that has been mounted. The composition presents a staged interior populated by a central figure surrounded by attendants, all dressed in period costume, within an elaborately decorated room.

Subject & Meaning

The scene appears to illustrate a moment from a theatrical or literary narrative, possibly with a satirical edge. A standing man commands attention at the centre, while others—some holding books or tools—react around him, suggesting a moment of revelation or judgment within a richly appointed space.

Technique & Style

Gillot employs expressive, fluid lines to define figures and architectural details, while the watercolor adds subtle tonal variation. White gouache corrections highlight highlights and refine the composition, and the use of red chalk provides a warm underdrawing that unifies the drawing’s delicate coloration.

Context

Working at a time when French art was moving toward lighter, more theatrical subjects, Gillot served as a mentor to artists such as Antoine Watteau and Nicolas Lancret. His work reflects the transitional aesthetic that favored narrative drama and decorative elegance over the earlier Baroque intensity.

History & Provenance

The drawing remains attributed to Gillot and is catalogued as a rare example of his early 18th‑century practice, illustrating his role as both a painter and an illustrator for stage designs and literary scenes.