Four Actors in Heroic Costume, with a Study of a Helmeted Head
Claude Gillot was primarily a graphic artist whose subjects included the theater and playful bacchanals. This sheet features studies of four figures in heroic costume with a reprise of a helmeted head. The use of delicate watercolor tints situates it within the larger tradition of costume designs for theater, by artists such as Jean Berain.
Through his work, Gillot helped to popularize the commedia dell’arte and influenced his pupil, Antoine Watteau, whose fêtes galantes incorporated elements of theater into scenes of aristocratic leisure.
Until 2004, the drawing was part of an album originally containing 39 drawings by the artist, all relating to the theater.
Through his work, Gillot helped to popularize the commedia dell’arte and influenced his pupil, Antoine Watteau, whose fêtes galantes incorporated elements of theater into scenes of aristocratic leisure.
Until 2004, the drawing was part of an album originally containing 39 drawings by the artist, all relating to the theater.
Artwork Details
- Title: Four Actors in Heroic Costume, with a Study of a Helmeted Head
- Artist: Claude Gillot (French, Langres 1673–1722 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1711–22
- Medium: Watercolor, pen and black ink, red chalk, and traces of black chalk
- Dimensions: 5 9/16 × 7 7/8 in. (14.2 × 20 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Purchase, Stephen A. Geiger Gift, 2020
- Object Number: 2020.327
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Claude Gillot
n.d.
Multiple artists/makers
1725 (?)
Multiple artists/makers
1732
Claude Gillot
Audran
n.d. [before 1722]
Multiple artists/makers
18th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.