Fête Champêtre

Pater's 'fêtes galantes' continue the genre invented by his teacher Watteau, exploring many variations on the theme of amorous dalliance. By way of Watteau, Pater certainly felt the impact of Rubens, but he was also directly inspired by Rubens's paintings, particularly the celebrated Garden of Love. The embracing couple just left of centre as well as the couple entering the scene from the right allude to similar groups in Rubens's painting. Furthermore, both pictures are graced by a nude female statue whose animated pose belies her stony matter.