Standing Man Leaning on His Elbow

Standing Man Leaning on His Elbow is a significant early 18th-century print attributed primarily to Jean Antoine Watteau (French, 1684-1721) and completed by the engraver Henri-Simon Thomassin (French, 1687-1741). Executed between 1704 and 1710, this piece is an etching rendered upon cream laid paper. This collaborative approach reflects the evolving commercial landscape of art dissemination in France, where reproducing master compositions as prints was crucial for reaching a broader audience during the transition from the Baroque era into the nascent Rococo period.

Watteau, celebrated for his atmospheric depictions of fêtes galantes and theatrical subjects, often produced detailed preparatory drawings from life. Although Watteau provided the original compositional design, Thomassin's technical skill was essential in translating the drawing into the final etching plate. This technique allowed the image to retain the delicate draftsmanship and spontaneity characteristic of Watteau’s style, capturing the standing man in a moment of relaxed, casual repose, leaning squarely upon his elbow.

This impression exemplifies the vital role of prints in preserving and distributing the visual ideas of major French artists throughout Europe. The etching process facilitated the creation of high-quality reproductions that ensured wide access to Watteau's distinctive aesthetic. Classified as a print, this artwork resides in the extensive permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historical work from the early 1700s, this image is frequently referenced in art historical scholarship and is often made available to the public through digitized collections, contributing to the rich body of works found in the public domain for ongoing study and appreciation.