Who painted Troops Resting?

Troops Resting was painted by Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater in 1722.

Where can I see Troops Resting?

Troops Resting is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Troops Resting?

Troops Resting is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Troops Resting

Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater , 1722

Troops Resting is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater’s print titled *Troops Resting* was produced in 1722. Executed as an etching combined with drypoint on laid paper, the work presents a compact scene of soldiers pausing beside a tranquil river. The composition captures a brief interlude within a military setting, rendered with a balance of activity and stillness.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a group of infantrymen taking a respite on a riverbank. Some figures are seated on fallen logs or the ground, while others stand or lean against staffs. The surrounding foliage and calm water frame the men, suggesting a moment of temporary peace amid the rigors of campaign life.

Technique & Style

Pater employed the fine lines of etching together with the burr‑rich marks of drypoint to delineate textures such as bark, fabric folds, and water surface. The laid paper’s subtle tooth enhances the tonal variation, while the crisp linear work conveys both the ruggedness of the environment and the detailed rendering of the soldiers’ attire.

History & Provenance

Created in the early eighteenth century, the print reflects the period’s interest in military genre scenes. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among Pater’s known prints and appears in several collections of French printmaking from the 1720s, illustrating his engagement with contemporary print techniques.