Chinese Musician

Edme Jeaurat (mentioned on object), 1731

Watteau’s repertoire was not limited to European musicians and instruments. He also made a series of decorative paintings featuring Chinese fantasy figures, including a woman with a stringed instrument, as seen in this etching after one of his works. Watteau may have been inspired by images on porcelain objects and prints from China collected in Europe around 1720. The instrument, however, is depicted with little concern for musical accuracy.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-43.788
  • Dimensionsheight 240 mm x width 173 mm