Artwork
The Pool at Fontainebleau
The Pool at Fontainebleau is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Rigaud. It dates from 1727 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Pool at Fontainebleau is a 1727 print by Jacques Rigaud, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It depicts a serene and lively scene set in the gardens of Fontainebleau, France.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a relaxed, everyday moment in the Fontainebleau gardens, showing diverse individuals engaged in leisure activities amidst a tranquil landscape. The mix of attire suggests a cross-section of society.
Technique & Style
While specific technical details of the print are not provided, its composition and depiction of everyday life in a natural setting align with characteristics of Baroque-era art, emphasizing dynamic scenes of common life.
History & Provenance
Created in 1727 by Jacques Rigaud, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here. Its creation date situates it within the late Baroque period.
Context
Fontainebleau, a real location in France known for its royal chateau and gardens, serves as the backdrop. The scene reflects the cultural value placed on leisure and outdoor spaces among the French aristocracy and emerging middle class of the time.
Legacy
The print contributes to the visual record of 18th-century French leisure culture and the artistic tradition of depicting everyday life, influencing or reflecting broader trends in Baroque and subsequent artistic movements.
Artist & collection
The Theatre of Water (Le Théâtre d'Eau)
Chateau of Berny from the Gardens
View of the Chateau de Seaux from Diana's Promenade
The Cascades of St. Cloud
Chateau Fontainebleau from the Grand Canal
The Chateau from the Canal at Rambouillet
Chateau of Bagnolet
Vue du Château royal de Chambord, du côte de la Porte royale
