Study for "M. de Pourceaugnac" 1705 - 1736

Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater's "Study for 'M. de Pourceaugnac'" is a red chalk drawing depicting a seated woman in a flowing dress. The work, dated between 1705 and 1736, exemplifies the artist's mastery of capturing the graceful movement of figures. Pater, a prominent figure in the Rococo era, is known for his elegant and playful compositions. The drawing is a preparatory study for a larger painting, offering a glimpse into the artist's creative process. The delicate lines and subtle shading highlight the softness and fluidity of the subject's pose, characteristic of the Rococo style. This piece is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.