LANCRET, Nicolas
(b. 1690, Paris, d. 1743, Paris)

The Earth

c. 1730
Oil on canvas, 38 x 31 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

Nicolas Lancret was a follower of Watteau. He imitated Watteau's style and also dedicated himself to painting fêtes galantes. However, in his work the theme of the fête galante has evolved closer to a scene from everyday life.

This painting may have formed part of a set of four canvases on the subject of the four seasons. The fruits being picked and handled suggest that this canvas may have represented summer.