Watteau the Rebel: The Court v the Commedia dell'arte

Lecturer Timothy Wilcox

Category Paintings

Watteau is usually thought of as the quintessential artist of the French rococo: delicate, charming and dedicated to the pleasures of love, not as a carnal pursuit but as an encounter full of subtle wit and elegant conversation. This lecture explores how Watteau’s immersion in the worlds of theatre, music and dance allowed him to create a parallel reality: one which resembled real life on the surface, while hinting at a different realm beyond. Watteau’s most famous pictures: The embarkation for the Island of Cythera and Gilles are examined in detail; although they defied convention and remain elusive as to their exact meaning even to this day, they brought Watteau fame and the admiration of artists and public alike.

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Location Widcombe Social Club

Widcombe Social Club is situated at the bottom of Widcombe Hill within walking distance of the Bus and Railway Stations. From the City the quickest route on foot (a 10 minute stroll) is to walk over the foot bridge at the rear of Bath Spa Rail Station. Cross over the A36 at the pedestrian lights and turn left along Widcombe Parade (where there are lots of nice local shops and places to eat).

Cross over the juction with Prior Park Road. The Social Club is on the left at the bottom of Widcombe Hill.

The number 2 bus, from bus stop BK across the road from the train station will take you one stop to Widcombe.

There is very little parking locally. The closest car park is in Southgate which is not far from the Bus Station.

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Covid-19

While there is still uncertainty about social distancing or any change in regulations, if we are unable to meet, our lectures will continue online on Zoom.

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