One of the most brilliant and original artists of the eighteenth century; Antoine Watteau had an impact on the development of Rococo art in France and throughout Europe lasting well beyond his lifetime. Living only thirty-six years; and plagued by frequent illness; Watteau nonetheless rose from an obscure provincial background to achieve fame in the French capital during the Regency of the duc dOrleacute;ans. Watteau clearly had a genuine love of music. His drawings of those playing and listening offer uncanny portraits of the way it can heighten emotions. Equally; the play of light he orchestrates on fine fabrics; on childrenrsquo;s skin or on various elements of his landscapes; provides a startling anticipation of the Impressionists. He is the inventor of la fecirc;te galante; a genre that shows the bourgeoisie at play outdoors. It was an update of the classic format which portrayed mythical beings in pastoral settings. For; rather than selling to royals or aristocrats; Watteaursquo;s art was purchased by rich bankers and tradesmen. His solution was to forge a style they could accept. He replaced traditional nymphs and shepherds with posh Parisians ndash; shown at play not in some mythic Arcardia; but in their own contemporary parks and gardens. He personalized the scenes with figures from two lsquo;outsidersquo; worlds; those of the theatre and of music. Many of the models for such protagonists were Watteaursquo;s own friends: Parisian actors and musicians he often drew. His drawing ability remains spectacular. But even more startling is his modernity.
#3814183 in eBooks 2012-04-24 2016-02-22File Name: B01C29HXDS
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great campfire story -By Edward F. WeberYears ago I was a Scoutmaster for 13 years. I would have loved to have known this story back then to tell around the campfire. - - - Three brothers live in a mythical valley where they have a vista of a gorgeous waterfall pouring out of the mountains. The afternoon turns the waterfall to a golden blaze; hence the name Golden River. The two older brothers are very mean and bully the youngest of them and make him do the chores. They are angered to find that one night while they are gone the younger brother gives shelter to a stranger. Arriving back home they throw him out in spite of his warning that he is the West Wind and will return just one time. His return is in the form of a gale force wind that destroys their house. Not only that but the West Wind stops the rainfall into the valley; the farm dries up; the three brothers move to the city. They use some gold that they have to become goldsmiths but spend the profits instead of using some to buy more gold for smithing. The younger brother treasures a gold mug with a face imprinted on it. They tear it away from him and toss it into the kettle to be melted down. Then they leave. The youngest brother hears a voice from the kettle and realizes that it comes from the face that was on the mug. He is asking to be fished out. When the brother does this; the gold face becomes a head and body and sprouts arms and legs and struts about as a dwarf. This is the King of the Golden River. As a reward for the boys kindnesses he tells the boy the secret of how to turn the river to gold to make himself rich.- - Thats all I will divulge. - - There is a moral; of course. This tale is short and delightful; written as present for the young girl who later becomes his wife.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Ruskins little fairy tale in an easy to read and affordable format.By RobertExcellent childrens story which works well for adults as well. Ruskin wrote an outstanding moral tale which is as entertaining as it is uplifting. The edition I got here at is the free one with the green cover and labeled "A Public Domain Title". I may seek out one thats illustrated; as this one has no illustrations. Given the price ($0.00) that lack is tolerable. :) The story is marvelous; every bit as good as I remembered it as being when I read it long ago as a child. Well worth reading. Most highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A timeless tale for young and old.By Ram ViswanathanI have read this from time to time; from childhood to adulthood. It has never failed to delight and thrill. What is charming for a child is equally wonderful to an adult; provided he has kept the fires of childhood still burning in his aging heart. I have narrated this story to my grand children. They have been inspired by the noble example of Gluck; so beautifully embedded in the story. I am sure this tale will never fail to resonate in the hearts of kindred souls.
