Lady and Gentleman with two Girls and a Servant

genre

This painting, representing a family in the garden, was exhibited in the Salon of 1742, the last in Lancret's lifetime, and is a masterpiece, emancipated from all influences. The family anecdote is charming, just tinged with humour, the figures themselves have a flower-like charm and freshness, anticipating early portraits by Gainsborough. According to the Salon livret the family are taking coffee, and the younger girl is obviously experiencing her first taste of it.

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Lady and Gentleman with two Girls and a Servant

About the Artist

Nicolas Lancret

1690 – 1743

French painter, he was, with Pater, the principal imitator of Watteau. After failing as a history painter he was influenced by Gillot 's theatrical scenes as Watteau had been, and he spent the rest of his life painting fêtes galantes. He is well represented in the Wallace Collection, London.

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