The Robber Of The Sparrow — Jean-antoine Watteau

The Robber of the Sparrow

Watteau's 'The Robber of the Sparrow’s Nest' captures a romantic woodland scene with a young couple and their dog, showcasing his signature Rococo style & delicate brushwork.


Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684 - 1721)

Discover Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721), the French Rococo master! Explore his idyllic 'fêtes galantes,' theatrical scenes, & influence on 18th-century art. View masterpieces like 'The Country Dance' & learn about his legacy.

Scottish National Gallery (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Explore Scottish art at the National Gallery of Scotland! Discover masterpieces by renowned artists like Titian & Monet in a stunning neoclassical building on Edinburgh's Mound.

Watteau shows a young couple in an idyllic woodland setting. The girl rests her arm on the young man’s knee while he examines a sparrow’s nest that he has just taken from a tree to show her. The romantic setting is emphasised by the roses on the rock beside them. The painting was engraved in 1727 by François Boucher for Jean de Jullienne’s book on Watteau’s oeuvre. The print reveals that this painting was originally larger and set in a ‘frame’ of painted arabesques. It was cut down to its present size some time between 1767 and 1816. Traces of the decorative paintwork are still visible at the top of the picture, as older paint used to hide them has become translucent.