Twee studies van een zittende vrouw

Twee studies van een zittende vrouw by Jean Antoine Watteau is a quintessential example of the artist’s mastery of preparatory sketches, executed on paper using chalk mediums sometime between 1709 and 1721. Watteau, the pivotal figure in the development of the French Rococo style, frequently utilized drawing to build his repertoire of figures and poses, which he later recombined in his celebrated oil paintings, such as the fêtes galantes. This specific work presents two distinct views of a seated female figure, demonstrating the rapid yet nuanced observation that defined his output.

The piece captures the spontaneity often lost in final oil compositions. The meticulous use of chalk allows Watteau to define the fall of fabric and the subtle contours of the sitter with remarkable lightness and precision. These highly personal figure studies were essential tools for the artist, compiled into albums known as cahiers de figures, allowing him to reuse specific poses and gestures repeatedly across various compositions. This drawing belongs to a crucial period in Watteau's short career, preceding his definitive acceptance into the French Royal Academy in 1717.

As an important drawing of the early 18th century, Twee studies van een zittende vrouw is held in the renowned collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it helps illustrate the transition from formal Baroque aesthetics to the grace and intimacy of Rococo art. Watteau’s works, particularly his studies, are internationally recognized for their technical delicacy and emotional depth. Today, high-resolution images of this masterwork are often made available through public domain initiatives, providing invaluable access to the core techniques of the artist.