Jérôme-François Chantereau

The painter and etcher, Jérôme-François Chantereau, rose to prominence as one of the most sought-after Parisian art dealers around the mid-18th century. Having trained as a painter at the Académie royale, he became a member of the Académie de Saint-Luc and exhibited at the Salons of 1751, 1752 and 1753. As a dealer and artistic advisor, he also served the Danish king. Few examples of Chantereau’s paintings, which were influenced by Watteau, Pater, and Chardin, have been preserved; likewise, his etched works remain quite rare.

The oval depiction illustrates the arrival of a courtly party on the island of Cythera and is reminiscent of the renowned painting by Watteau, who created a total of three oil versions of this popular Rococo theme. Despite its modest size, Chantereau‘s vibrant composition is both dynamic and richly adorned with intricate details. In a seemingly spontaneous etching style, he depicts the elaborate attire of the figures on the boat and beneath the statue of Venus, as well as the landscape and the Cupids floating on clouds – a highly animated and shimmering scene fully in keeping with the spirit of the Rococo period. A fine impression with thread margins. In excellent condition.

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