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Artist
(Jean-) Antoine Watteau was born on October 10, 1684 in Valenciennes. He died on July 18, 1721 in Nognt-sur-Manre. As a French Rokoko painter, Watteau created a new genre with the representation of of “fetes galantes”, the gallant fests. Loved ones, people dancing, sheppards and heardsmen or simiar romantic groups of people in lavish landscapes is often shown in his work, often with erotic details.
Artwork
“Embarkation to Kythera” was created in 1717/1718. It measures 190 x 132 cm (width x height). There are two other works by Watteau that share the same name. They were created in 1710 (seen in Louvre, Paris) and in 1717 (to be seen in Städel, Frankfurt/Main). The contents in the pictures are similar.
Brief description
Courting couples in magnificent Rococo garments are getting ready to set out or are expectantly boarding the ship waiting below the embankment. They are surrounded by fluttering cupids. The destination of the ship’s journey is the Greek Cythera, an authentic island south of the Peloponnese, which is considered the island of love. The Roman Goddess of Love Venus, known in Greek as Aphrodite, is believed to have been born from the foam here off the Cytherian coast, similar to Cyprus. As such, she is represented here as a statue, on the right of the picture we see her in an emotional stance. In comparison to the two other works of Watteaus with the same title, the Berlin painting is probably the liveliest. Even Venus, who was painted as a still image in the second version of “The Embarkation for Cythera”, seems to be wanting to step off her pedestal to persuade the last waverers of the temptations of the destination, with the help of the cupids.
Genre & Material
Painting of Rokoko. Painted in oil on canvas.
Where can I find this in Berlin?
In the Schloss Charlottenburg, Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin. . To find out how to get there, please click the link below the description.
Courting couples in magnificent Rococo garments are getting ready to set out or are expectantly boarding the ship waiting below the embankment. They are surrounded by fluttering cupids. The destination of the ship’s journey is the Greek Cythera, an authentic island south of the Peloponnese, which is considered the island of love. The Roman Goddess of Love Venus, known in Greek as Aphrodite, is believed to have been born from the foam here off the Cytherian coast, similar to Cyprus. As such, she is represented here as a statue, on the right of the picture we see her in an emotional stance. In comparison to the two other works of Watteaus with the same title, the Berlin painting is probably the liveliest. Even Venus, who was painted as a still image in the second version of “The Embarkation for Cythera”, seems to be wanting to step off her pedestal to persuade the last waverers of the temptations of the destination, with the help of the cupids.
Hier geht es zu dem Museum in Berlin, in dem Sie dieses Meisterwerk finden
ART@Berlin: Antoine Watteau – Embarkation to Kythera
