Summer (c. 1720-1736)

Jean-Baptiste Pater, a French Rococo painter, captivates with his pastoral scene titled "Summer," created approximately between 1720 and 1736. Pater’s work is renowned for its delicate and playful representation of idyllic landscapes and figures, deeply influenced by his mentor, Antoine Watteau.This exquisite tondo painting—uniquely rounded in shape—transports the viewer to a serene, bucolic setting under the soft, warm glow of a summer sky. The composition is a harmonious blend of nature and human activity. In the foreground, to the left, a man reclines by a water source, possibly a spring, evoking the ease and repose associated with the season. Nearby, birds and other small animals add vitality to the setting, while a woman nearby engages in quiet contemplation.The middle ground gently guides the eye towards a more open landscape, where rolling fields stretch out towards a cluster of rustic cottages. The presence of peasants and livestock in this part of the painting emphasizes agricultural labor, typical of summer's bounty.Pater's palette of soft blues, greens, and earth tones enhances the overall feeling of tranquility and the fleeting nature of a summer day. The brushwork, while subtle, effectively captures the dynamic sky and the textures of the landscape."Summer" is a charming celebration of the season’s splendor and a testament to Pater's skill in capturing the essence of pastoral life.