Rustende figuren bij een waterval 1726 - 1735

Jean Moyreau made this print, Resting Figures by a Waterfall, after an original by Watteau. The image encapsulates a specific cultural moment when aristocratic patrons like Watteau’s sought images of pastoral leisure. The waterfall serves as a picturesque backdrop to the elegant figures, with the architecture in the background a not-too-subtle reminder of wealth and power. Moyreau’s print made Watteau’s composition widely available. This was made possible by a print market keen to cater to the rising middle class, even as it showcased aristocratic life. The print’s titles in French and Latin show the importance of a classical education during the period. Understanding the print’s historical setting requires research into the art market of the 18th century, the culture of aristocratic patronage, and the printmaking techniques that made the image so popular. It shows how understanding the social conditions help us understand the art of the period.