Study for "M. de Pourceaugnac"
early 18th century
Medium
red chalk with touches of graphite
Dimensions
7 11/16 x 5 1/8 in. (19.5 x 13.0 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bruno de Bayser, 2000
Accession Number
2000.91.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater, a prominent French Rococo artist and devoted follower of Antoine Watteau, created this delicate *Study for "M. de Pourceaugnac"* in the 18th century. drawing served as a preparatory sketch for scene inspired by Moli's comedic ballet *Monsieur de Pourceaugnac (1669), a satirical play blending music, dance, and farce. Pater's Rococo style shines through in his elegant depictions of figures in theatrical, lighthearted poses, often evoking the playful world of *fêtes galantes*—pastoral gatherings filled with romance and whimsy. This sheet likely captures a female charac...