 |
| Troops at Rest |
Artist:Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater (French, Valenciennes 1695–1736 Paris)
Date:ca. 1725
Medium:Oil on canvas
Dimensions:21 1/4 x 25 3/4 in. (54 x 65.4 cm)
Classification:Paintings
Credit Line:Bequest of Ethel Tod Humphrys, 1956
The imaginary setting comprises delicately painted trees, a ruined tower, and an encampment of several tents. The figures are arranged in a rough semi-circle against a bright but fog-shrouded middle distance. They dismount from their horses and mules, gather at trestle tables, and smoke and talk by the campfire. Among the soldiers, Pater depicts the women and children who followed them.
Catalogue Entry
In 1709, the armies of Louis XIV suffered a bitter loss at Malplaquet, near Valenciennes. The young Pater certainly saw and may have suffered deprivation, in the wake of troop movements and other travails of war. This suggests why the figures are so closely observed. See also 56.55.1.
Katharine Baetjer 2010
Copyright Image
https://images.metmuseum.org
Comments
Post a Comment