Artwork
Gentleman with Hand in Vest
Gentleman with Hand in Vest is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean Antoine Watteau. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Gentleman with Hand in Vest is an etching on laid paper by Antoine Watteau, created around 1710. It is currently held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a man in 18th-century attire standing before a serene landscape. His right hand is tucked into his vest, conveying quiet confidence, while his facial expression is contemplative. The scene includes trees, a distant building, and birds flying overhead.
Technique & Style
Watteau's use of lines and shading creates depth and texture, drawing attention to the subject. The etching exemplifies the Baroque style through its emphasis on detail and realism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Antoine Watteau was a French painter and draughtsman whose brief career spurred the revival of interest in colour and movement, as seen in the tradition of Correggio and Rubens.
