Les Enfans de Momus - Jean Moyreau

An elegant eighteenth-century French etching by Jean Moyreau, after Antoine Watteau, depicting the mythological children of Momus within a decorative Rococo frame.

This etching, titled Les Enfans de Momus, is a fine example of the ornamental print tradition prevalent in eighteenth-century France. Jean Moyreau, a skilled engraver, produced this work after a design by the painter Antoine Watteau. The composition reflects the playful, theatrical spirit of the Rococo period, focusing on the mythological figure of Momus, the personification of satire and mockery.

The scene is structured with a high degree of symmetry, typical of decorative cartouches and book illustrations of the era. At the centre, a fountain serves as a base for a dolphin-like creature, flanked by groups of children engaged in various activities. These figures, often referred to as putti or genii, are rendered with delicate line work that captures the light and texture of their forms. Above them, a central medallion features a portrait, framed by a sunburst and floral garlands, suspended beneath heavy, draped curtains.

The borders of the print are decorated with foliage and architectural elements, creating a frame that directs the viewer toward the central narrative. The use of etching allows for a fine, precise quality in the rendering of the drapery and the naturalistic details of the trees. This work was published in Paris by Gersaint and Surugue, reflecting the commercial distribution of such prints to collectors and connoisseurs of the time. The print demonstrates the technical proficiency required to translate the painterly qualities of Watteau into the medium of engraving, maintaining the lightness and grace associated with the style. It remains a representative piece of the decorative arts from the French Regency period, capturing the intersection of classical mythology and contemporary theatrical themes.