Standing Man with Hand in Vest, from Figures de modes

The detailed etching, Standing Man with Hand in Vest, from Figures de modes, was created by the French master Jean Antoine Watteau (1684-1721) between 1705 and 1715. This intricate print utilizes black ink on ivory laid paper, showcasing Watteau’s deft skill in graphic arts during the transitional period from Baroque gravity to the lightness of the Rococo aesthetic.

The print belongs to the artist's influential series Figures de modes, studies that captured the elegant, often theatrical, poses and specific fashion details relevant to the early 18th century in France. The subject is a standing male figure adopting the confident, refined posture of a gentleman, characterized by the hand concealed within the vest—a conventional gesture in portraits of the era signaling composure or contemplation. As a document of social history, this image provides insight into the sartorial habits that defined the French court and aristocracy during the Regency period.

Watteau’s studies, highly valued for their economy of line and keen observation, served as models for other artists and informed the depiction of contemporary life. Classified simply as a print, the technical execution of this piece demonstrates the artist's engagement with etching as both a preparatory and reproductive medium. Works such as Standing Man with Hand in Vest are fundamental examples of early 18th-century prints and are actively studied for their stylistic precision and historical documentation of French dress. This influential piece is held in the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. High-quality images of this period work are often available for study through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to Watteau’s graphic output.