Étienne Jeaurat (Vermenton 1699 – Versailles 1789) Children playing while harvesting wheat (Allegory of Summer) Mid-18th Century Oil on canvas (cm. 97 x 129 - With frame cm. 112 x 145) We present a splendid painting, traditionally attributed to the French painter Étienne Jeaurat (Vermenton 1699 - Versailles 1789), depicting a jubilation of children. The canons of the Rococo period are present here, the most delicate, light and at the same time elegant of styles, capable of interpreting in painting the peculiarities of French society of the Ancien Régime. Baroque painting with its exuberance, massive, rational forms, could not represent the aristocracy, which instead saw in luminosity, decorativism, grace and idyll, a more prestigious and representative language. The composition is, to be precise, taken from a canvas by Boucher, made around 1730 and now kept at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston (https://emuseum.mfah.org/objects/18420/the-cherub-harvesters), which depicts a joyful group of cherubs engaged, playfully, in harvesting wheat. Predominant, in our canvas, is the sensation of lightness, emphasized by the graceful poses of the children and the use of the palette, where the colors are light and luminous, to enhance the beautiful play of chiaroscuro, a typical aspect of painters of this period. Jeaurat also dedicated himself to this type of subject, the symbol par excellence of the frivolous pleasures of life to which the aristocratic class yearned, certainly knowing the highly appreciated works of the contemporary Francois Boucher. The work is in good condition, completed by a beautiful frame in lacquered and gilded wood with carved leaf corners. Étienne Jeaurat (Vermenton 1699 - Versailles 1789) - A pupil of Nicolas Vleughels, a friend of Antoine Watteau, in 1724 the painter stayed in Rome and returned to Paris and in 1733 he is registered at the Royal Academy. In 1737 he exhibited for the first time at the Salon des Artistes of the Louvre where he continued to exhibit his works regularly until 1789, he was then elevated to professor and subsequently chancellor in 1781. Returning to the work presented here, a similar composition, but of slightly larger dimensions, is located at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, dated to 1744. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the Riva del Garda gallery in Viale Canella 18, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/