Exhibition event Revoir Watteau at the Musée du Louvre, around the figure of Pierrot - our photos

When the Louvre builds an entire exhibition around a painting byAntoine Watteau... On the occasion of the restoration of the painting"Le Pierrot, dit le Gilles", the Paris museum invites you to discover its exhibition, Revoir Watteau, from October 16 to February 23, 2024. An iconic work by the painter, which was nevertheless discovered late, around this iconic commedia dell'arte character, created in France. Discover all the secrets of this character and the influence he has had on various artistic fields, from the 18th century to the present day.

Watteau 's painting is, of course, at the heart of the exhibition, but it's not the only masterpiece in the collection. There are several paintings by the painter and his contemporaries, as well as paintings, photographs and drawings from more recent eras. In all, 65 works are on display at the Musée du Louvre, including seven paintings by Watteau himself.

The figure of Pierrot was born in comic theater, as a recurring character in the commedia dell'arte alongside Harlequin. Fascinated by this theatrical universe from an early age, Watteau painted a number of scenes and portraits inspired by live performance. However, it is not known when Watteau created his Pierrot. The painting's origins remain a mystery, adding to the legend of this fascinating work.

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Over time, the Pierrot disappeared from French theater, but his image remained. Watteau's representation became the model for painters and artists, and the Pierrot's codes were reflected in new characters, such as "Gilles", a white-suited valet who took the place of the Pierrot in the new, much more "vulgar" plays of the 18th century.

Century after century, Watteau's masterpiece continues to inspire painters, writers, playwrights, actors and comedians. The art world is full of white-clad characters, thinkers and poets. This exhibition at the Musée du Louvre shows just how important Watteau's Pierrot still is to our imagination. The mime Marceau and the film Les Enfants du Paradis, for example, draw their inspiration from this character made immortal by the French painter.

As a counterpoint to this melancholy Pierrot, the Musée du Louvre is presenting an exhibition of Figures of Madness at the same time.

Figures du fou at the Musée du Louvre: a zany exhibition to discover - our photos
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