Seated Woman Leaning against a Plinth, from Figures de modes

Seated Woman Leaning against a Plinth, from Figures de modes by Jean Antoine Watteau French, 1684-1721, is a delicate print dating from the period 1705-1715. This specific work is executed as an etching in black on ivory laid paper. As a representative example of French printmaking during the early 18th century, the print was likely conceived as part of the “Figures de modes” series, intended to document or disseminate contemporary fashion and character studies prevalent in France.

The subject depicts a solitary seated woman resting casually against a low architectural plinth. Watteau, celebrated for his refined draughtsmanship and focus on intimate, theatrical poses, captures the figure with an air of relaxed elegance characteristic of the shift toward the Rococo style. The careful application of etching allows for extremely fine linework, deftly defining the folds of her drapery and conveying a sense of quiet repose. The classification as a print suggests this composition was intended for reproduction and wide distribution, allowing many to access the aesthetic sensibilities of the era.

This study of posture and early modern fashion contributes significantly to our understanding of early 18th-century culture. The period between 1705 and 1715 marks a pivotal moment in the transition from Baroque formality to the lighter fête galante subject matter that Watteau would later perfect. This impression of Seated Woman Leaning against a Plinth is preserved within the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Works of this historical import are frequently available as high-quality prints through public domain initiatives, ensuring the enduring legacy of masters like Watteau.