It used to be called “the Gilles”. Today, it is in the name of Pierrot what this lunar character with dangling arms, floating in his ill-fitting white satin suit, responds. The look lost and a little sadhis shoes adorned with two large pink ribbons revealed by his too-short pants, the young man, straight as a rod, remains motionless, almost petrified, out of step with the characters in festive costumes moving around behind him…
Son strange and magnetic power of attraction, Pierrot owes it to its impenetrable and paradoxical nature: although very physically present in what a great format (1.80 mx 1.40) by Antoine Watteau (1684–1721) which he fills with his immaculate life-size silhouette, this apathetic character is totally absent, in the clouds… An originality which has earned him the place among THE pearls from the Louvre museum.
Pierrot got a little makeover
But the picture had changed over the years covered with a yellowish veile which interfered with his reading. From June 2022 to September 2024, it was entrusted to the Center for Research and Restoration of Museums of France (C2RMF) for a makeover consisting of removal of yellowed varnish and repainting. Back at the Louvre, its freshness delights the eye: its clothing has found its pearly whiteness and the sky is bright blue, while his nose and cheeks turn a pretty pink!
and access Beaux Arts Magazine
and all web content
unlimited from €5.75/month
Already subscribed? Log in
