Jean-Antoine Watteau

Jean-Antoine Watteau—better known as Antoine Watteau—is considered one of the more original artists of the 18th century. His work significantly impacted the development of Rococo art in France and the rest of Europe. Plagued by illness for most of his career, Watteau only lived to 36. Even so, he revived an interest in color and movement through his paintings that incorporated figures in theatrical and aristocratic dress within lush imaginary landscapes. Despite his short-lived career, Watteau rose from a provincial background, finding fame and establishing an artistic legacy that prevailed far beyond his lifetime.