Standing Man with a Hat, Facing Left, from Figures de Modes

"Standing Man with a Hat, Facing Left, from Figures de Modes" by Jean Antoine Watteau (French, 1684-1721) is a refined example of graphic arts produced during the first quarter of the 18th century. Classified as a print, the work was realized using the etching technique on ivory laid paper, showcasing the meticulous line work characteristic of Watteau’s preparatory studies. While the artist is primarily celebrated for popularizing the fête galante genre in painting, he frequently employed drawing and printmaking to quickly capture and refine details of contemporary dress and posture. These figural studies were essential to his practice and often compiled into collections like the Figures de Modes series.

This specific impression features a single male figure positioned in a relaxed yet elegant stance, reflecting the shifting fashions and social conventions of the period in France. The focus on the detailed delineation of the figure's hat and coat suggests the print’s utility both as an artistic study and as a document for disseminating the styles prevalent in Parisian society before the rise of the full Rococo movement. The creation of such prints allowed for the widespread circulation of Watteau's inventive designs, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Watteau's mastery of the printed medium is significant, revealing his versatility beyond the canvas. This impression of Standing Man with a Hat, Facing Left, from Figures de Modes resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it helps illustrate the evolution of French draftsmanship. As a historic work dating from the period 1704-1721, the piece is generally considered part of the public domain, ensuring its continued accessibility for scholars studying early 18th-century European prints and costume history.