Artwork
Enten am Gewässer
Enten am Gewässer is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Baptiste Bouttats. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Johann Baptiste Bouttatis painted *Enten am Gewässer* in 1722. Executed during the Rococo period, the work belongs to the collection of Munich’s Alte Pinakothek. It presents a quiet riverside setting where a flock of ducks glides across the water, framed by trees and a muted sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on everyday nature, emphasizing the calm movement of the ducks against a still water surface. The inclusion of a slender‑leafed plant on the left adds a subtle botanical element, reinforcing the painting’s gentle observation of rural life without overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Bouttatis employs a restrained palette dominated by greys and deep tones, creating a subdued atmosphere. The handling of light and shadow reflects a chiaroscuro approach, accentuating the forms of the water and foliage while maintaining the lightness characteristic of Rococo decorative painting.
History & Provenance
Created in the early eighteenth century, the canvas remained in private hands before entering the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings. Its acquisition aligns with the museum’s effort to represent Flemish contributions to the broader European Rococo movement.
Context
Bouttatis, a Flemish artist active across Europe, was known for a range of subjects from landscapes to genre scenes. This work illustrates his capacity to blend decorative elegance with naturalistic detail, a hallmark of the period’s interest in portraying idyllic, pastoral moments.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Baptiste Bouttats or Jan Baptist Bouttats (1680s – 1743) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and etcher who worked in a wide variety of genres including history, landscapes, architecture, topological views, marine scenes and still…
