La Surprise 1719-50
Oil on canvas | 37.0 x 31.9 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404796
-
This is a replica of a painting on panel, of similar dimensions and dated 1718-9 in the J Paul Getty Museum. Watteau was a popular artist throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and his works were disseminated through prints – this composition was engraved by Audran the Younger with the title ‘La Surprise’. This made it easy for artists to manufacture replicas and versions of his compositions. This example is of reasonable quality and may date from near the time of the original.
Provenance
This may be the work by Watteau sold to George IV in 1792 for 10 guineas by Richard Cosway; it is certainly the work recorded in 1819 as by Watteau and valued at 30 guineas, hanging in the Upper Anti Room at Carlton House (no 149); in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace in 1841 (no 94)
-
Creator(s)
Previously attributed to an imitator of (artist) -
Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
37.0 x 31.9 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
53.0 x 46.7 x 5.1 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
A pastoral landscape