Halte des Troupes (Soldiers and Women in an Encampment) 1710 - 1736

This etching, created by Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater between 1710 and 1736, depicts a scene of soldiers and women in a camp setting. The composition is filled with figures interacting, suggesting a moment of leisure or camaraderie. Pater was known for his genre scenes, particularly those depicting everyday life, often infused with a sense of humor and charm. The work is a fine example of French Rococo style, characterized by its delicate lines, asymmetrical compositions, and emphasis on light and playful subject matter. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this piece, which is a testament to Pater's skill in capturing the essence of 18th-century French society.