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Repose in a Park

Artist
Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater, French, 1695–1736
Date
c.1730
Material
Oil on canvas
made in
France, Europe
Classification
Paintings
Current Location
On View, Gallery 202
Dimensions
21 1/2 x 25 7/8 in. (54.6 x 65.7 cm)
Credit Line
Friends Endowment Fund
Rights
Contact Us
Object Number
13:1967
NOTES
Surrounding the seated woman in pink are well-dressed members of the upper class enjoying the pleasantries of a park. Flirtations abound. The kneeling man to the left of the seated woman holds his hand to his chest to signify his affection while the reclining man in the lower right seeks to charm the young lady beside him. Known by the term “Fête galante,” (literally “gallant party”) this type of painting depicts the intricacies of social relationships and courtship within a pastoral setting.