Woman Seen from Behind, from Figures de modes

Woman Seen from Behind, from Figures de modes by Jean Antoine Watteau French, 1684-1721, is an exquisite example of early 18th-century French printmaking. Created circa 1705-1715, this etching in black on ivory laid paper belongs to the significant Figures de modes series, which was central to documenting and disseminating Parisian fashion and posture. This body of work showcases Watteau’s early focus on capturing ephemeral social behavior and contemporary dress, foundational themes that would later define the nascent Rococo movement in France.

The work’s classification as a print confirms its role in circulating visual ideas beyond traditional painting formats. The medium of etching allowed Watteau to achieve delicate, linear depictions, ideal for reproducing the intricate patterns, lace, and voluminous folds of early Georgian era textiles. In this particular study, the subject is rendered from the rear, an intentional pose that places the primary emphasis on the structure of her gown and coiffure. By denying the viewer access to her face, the figure transforms into a refined visual catalogue of the era’s sartorial norms.

Watteau, who often collaborated with professional engravers, demonstrated a direct mastery of the printmaking process in studies like this. The piece is a valuable record of French culture during the transition from the strict formality of the preceding century toward the lighter, more intimate styles of the Régence period. Now part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, this etching remains a crucial reference for scholars. As many such works by Watteau are now preserved in the public domain, they continue to provide accessible insight into the influential style of this pivotal artist.