French Artist Jean-Antoine Watteau Features in Rival London Shows

LONDON (REUTERS).- Whether by coincidence or design, French 18th century artist Jean-Antoine Watteau has two major London shows dedicated to him, both opened on Saturday. The Royal Academy‘s show “Watteau: The Drawings” focuses on the artist as draughtsman, an important element of his work which acquaintances said he preferred to painting. At the nearby Wallace Collection, the museum has re-displayed its extensive Watteau canvases including examples of the “fete galante” — an elegant social gathering in parkland setting — for which the artist is probably best known today. To accompany the re-hanging, the Wallace put on a separate exhibition on Jean de Jullienne, one of the most important art collectors of his time who edited a collection of prints of Watteau’s works which appeared after the artist’s death. While both galleries stressed that their exhibitions should be seen as complementary rather than in competition,

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