Inspiration is not the feeling that comes to mind after seeing the National Gallery of Art's latest exhibit, "The Age of Watteau, Chardin, and Fragonard: Masterpieces of French Genre Painting," - unless the viewer is a history nut.
These paintings show the modern eye the two sides of the controversial 16th century French society: The extravagant and the poor.
These paintings of daily life give viewers a glimpse into life before the French Revolution, in the way that a photograph or film would. However, these genre paintings were not highly regarded by the French aristocracy until their exhibitions in Paris salons in 1737.
The exhibit begins with the paintings of Jean-Antoine Watteau and Nicholas Lancret, who appear to paint with the exact same colors and subject matter of a poetic picture known as the "le fete galant." These paintings depict the well-dressed and flirtatious upper class society, engaging in music, Watteau's "Mezzetin," romantic and familial love, and leisurely conversations in the park.
The funny indoor charactures by Jean-Baptiste Pater contrast the paintings that take place outdoors.
Another section is filled with Jean-Francoise de Troy's similar scenes of graceful flirtation. His reputation rose because of his brilliant portrayal of the latest elegant, shimmering and detailed fashions of the aristocratic women. Viewers could compare him to a fashion photographer.
Francoise Boucher delights in the material world as seen with "A Lady Fastening Her Garter." He epitomizes the indulgent period of the time with "Hunt Luncheon," in which the subjects leisurely enjoy an extravagant outdoor feast.
Francois Boucher's paintings are lighter in tone but depict more detail. For example, he portrays the fancy design and sculptures in a typical Parisian park. Or, as in "Before the Ball," he captures the enthusiasm and enormity that takes place when women must present themselves to the public. His portrayals of love are known for their amorous themes of lightheartednes.
As the exhibit progresses, the subject matter changes dramatically to one of the greatest genre painters of the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste-Sim?on Chardin. He paints scenes of children, servants and perhaps the more bourgeoisie society. For example, his work "The Return from the Market" shows a maid who has just returned to her pantry with bread and meat. His paintings are also characteristic in that they are the first to capture a single person engaged in a personal act.
A change in scenery includes the monumental landscape paintings of L?picie and Vernet, who wanted to portray more serious and historical subject matter, such as "Constructing a Main Road".
Jean-Baptiste Greuze represents the Enlightenment period with paintings that reveal moral values and more intelligent thought, as seen with "Boy with a Lesson Book," in which a young boy looks up from his book with a pensive face. Aside from these are the paintings by some of Greuze's followers, who included Etienne Aubrey and Jean-Honor? Fragonard.
Anyone who enjoys French culture, history or simply art would probably enjoy this exhibit.
The exhibit runs through Jan. 11 and admission is free. The National Gallery of Art is located on Constitution Avenue by the National Mall. It is within walking distance from the Judiciary Square Metro station.
