CD105

Two men on a donkey

Claude Gillot (Artist)

: This charming drawing by Antoine Watteau's first real mentor reminds one that Gillot was a fine draughtsman in his own right, who was especially adept at book illustration. The subject of this sheet is 'Le Meunier, Son Fils et L'Ane' from 'Les Fables de LaFontaine (book III, no. 1). The story tells of a farmer and his son who are taking their donkey to be sold at market. The begin by carrying the beast so that he will be in the best condition when it comes time to sell him. But then when a passer-by comments on their stupidity, they change their tactics; first the son rides, but when this is criticised by another way-farer, the father rides; then both together; then neither. No matter what they do the next person criticises them. They finally realise they cannot please everyone and must do what they think best, paying no attention to what others might say. A smaller sketchier version, in the opposite direction is in the Louvre (Guiffrey and Marcel, Inventaire generale des dessins du Musee du Louvre et du Musee Versailles, Ecole Francaise, vol VI, no. 4128). Having worked out the general details in the Louvre study, Gillot then made the more carefully finished Plymouth version, reversing the image so that when it was engraved the composition would be in the same direction as his original conception. In the end, no print seems to have been made. (text from 1979 catalogue) (, )

ink, Wash

Named Collection: Cottonian Collection