Antione Pesne was a rococo painter whose colour bursts from every stroke. Born in France, he was trained by his great uncle and later studying in Venice, he caught the eye of many with how his work almost seemed to glow on the canvas. His work became so notable in high society that the king of Prussia at the time, Frederick the First, would appoint him the royal portraitist. He would continue to paint for Frederick the Second, who would later offer him more work painting various murals. He would stay on good terms with them, being given a house in Berlin where he would peacefully pass at the age of 74.
The extravagant and playful look of his work is emblematic of the rococo, but it’s clearly more reserved than the work of someone like Fragonard. I find It notable that he managed to keep that fun, carefree style while working within the strict expectations of a royal family. All it takes is one look at something like his portrait of Fredrick the First to see how well it works. The king doesn’t seem uptight or trying to prove his superiority with the pose, he just glances casually.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antoine-Pesne
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/artists/antoine-pesne
Jeff Burgess
Pavan,
Okay I’ve seen your post now and can comment. Sometimes things fall inexplicably through the cracks. Anyhow nice work on this artist I knew little or nothing about. That is what I like about you and some others that dig deep into art history to unearth these more obscure but special painters. Good information and personal thoughts about what you are seeing. I’m giving you 2/2 on your first two posts. Well Done!
Jeff