Walking Woman Holding her Skirt, from Figures de modes

Walking Woman Holding her Skirt, from Figures de modes by Jean Antoine Watteau French, 1684-1721, is a significant print created during the transitional period of 1705-1715. Executed as an etching in black on delicate ivory laid paper, this work documents early 18th-century French fashion and societal attitudes just prior to the full flowering of the Rococo movement. The piece is classified as a print, suggesting its intended use as a study or a commercially reproducible design element, characteristic of the era's growing demand for disseminated imagery.

The composition depicts a solitary female figure actively walking, her attention drawn inward as she manipulates the fabric of her skirt, holding it up slightly. Watteau's skillful use of etching captures both the kinetic energy of the pose and the detailed drape of the textiles. The sharp, controlled lines inherent to the process define the contours of her attire, emphasizing the voluminous silhouette popular in France at the time. This type of observational study, often compiled in series like Figures de modes, was crucial for designers, painters, and students seeking accurate representations of contemporary dress.

Watteau (1684-1721) was instrumental in shifting artistic focus from grand history painting to more intimate scenes and detailed costume studies, profoundly influencing the subsequent generation of French masters. Although specific elements of this figure were likely incorporated into larger canvases or designs, the work stands alone as a precise observational record of early 18th-century life. Today, high-resolution reproductions of historic prints like this are often available in the public domain for study and appreciation. This essential example of the artist's graphic work resides within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.