JOHN ROBIN F. VIRAY FEB.

15, 2023
1ST YEAR – AB PSYCHOLOGY BLOCK A PROF: MARIFEL LI FONG

ARTIST: Jean-Antoine Watteau

Pierrot formerly known as Gilles

(1719)

Analysis:

Subject Type: Representational Art

Source of Subject: Emotion
Kind of Object: Events

Factual Meaning: Pierrot, in his discomfort and alienation, rebels against his position in the
comedy, and in his position in the painting as well. Sad and beat, Pierrot represent the sad
human and the impossibility of finding true happiness.

Conventional Meaning: Pierrot was not a fool but a symbol of a tragical struggling to secure a place in a
bourgeois world. Pierrot was a reflection of all the sadness, melancholia, alienation and disappointment the modern
man felt in those changing times.

Subjective Meaning: It is unknown whether Watteau himself was the inspiration for this piece, as
some critics believe this to be a self-portrait, or whether the character of Pierrot was a friend of
his, an actor, or an entirely fictional character all together.
 Embarkation for Cythera
(1717)

Analysis:

Subject Type: Representational Art

Source of Subject: Emotion, Landscape
Kind of Object: Places

Factual Meaning: The focus falls on three couples in particular who occupy the center right. The
sitting couple is absorbed in a flirtatious conversation and the pair standing is preparing to take
their place on the boat. The last admirer helps the object of his affection. Other happy couples
are boarding the boat. Take note of the cupids hovering about the vessel, they are excited about
the lover's journey.
Conventional Meaning: The theme of this piece cannot help but bring about a happy, peaceful
mood. There is no sign of anguish, broken hearts or turmoil in any capacity. Instead, lovers
prance around together and cupids fly overhead.
Subjective Meaning: Watteau's inspiration for The Embarkation for Cythera culminated from a
few different sources. He was inspired by fantastical geographical locations as well as from his
beloved theater. In Antiquity, Cythera was believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite - Greek
goddess of love - and thus became known as the Isle of Love. Watteau's portrayal of Cythera is
perhaps the best deception the most vivid imagination could conjure up.

His is an island of love, a paradise decorated with brightly colored landscapes that would
enchant even the most plutonic friends to accept the invitation of love. Cupids can be seen flying
over the boat, though their services may not be needed as nature does the flirting and
mesmerizing quite effectively.