Jean-Baptiste Pillement (1728 - 1808) Fishermen near a waterfall

Pastel on paper. 68 x 45 cm. Signed and dated lower left. With frame.

This pastel by Jean-Baptiste Pillement beautifully embodies the picturesque landscape aesthetic of the 18th century. In this 68 x 45 cm format, the artist composes a spectacular natural setting, dominated by large rocks and sparse vegetation. At the center, a waterfall winds its way through the stones, while a rustic wooden bridge connects the two banks, adding a touch of rural charm to the scene.
In the foreground, three fishermen are absorbed in their peaceful activity by the water’s edge. Their discreet presence blends harmoniously with the majesty of the landscape, highlighting the humility of man in the face of nature. The diffuse light, characteristic of pastel, bathes the scene in a misty, poetic atmosphere. Soft hues—blues, greens, and browns—melt subtly into one another, creating an impression of harmony and serenity.
Pillement, a master of atmospheric rendering, succeeds in evoking the freshness of morning and the tranquility of the countryside. The fragile bridge, slender trees, and misty reliefs enhance the sense of depth and invite the viewer’s gaze to venture beyond the foreground. This work, typical of the Rococo taste for the picturesque, celebrates the simple beauty of rural life and the communion between man and nature. Through his command of pastel and keen sense of composition, Pillement presents a scene that is both realistic and imbued with dreamlike quality, inviting quiet contemplation

Although born in Lyon, Jean-Baptiste Nicolas Pillement may well have belonged to the Pillement family of Rouen. Few French painters of this period traveled as much as he did. He first came to Paris to complete his studies
studies, then worked at the Gobelins factory for several years. He visited Poland and spent some time there as court painter to King Stanislas Augustus. Among other works, he decorated a room in the king's palace in the Chinese style and produced a large number of landscapes, mainly in gouache. He moved to Vienna, where he worked, among others, for the Prince of Lichtenstein, who bought 10 of his works. One of his landscapes, Retour au village, was engraved by Godefroy in Vienna.

Pillement was probably in Vienna in 1767, since the birth of his son Victor is recorded there that year, but he seems to have lived in England around 1755, where his talents were apparently much admired. He exhibited his work at the Society of Artists and the Free Society between 1760 and 1780, and in 1779, in London, he caused a sensation by announcing that, owing to his state of health, he was obliged to return to Avignon. Pillement also made several visits to Portugal, his last to Lisbon in 1780, possibly from London. In the meantime, he had not forgotten Paris. He exhibited at the Salon of 1776. The Almanach des Artistes of 1777 indicates that he was domiciled in London or Paris with Basan. He was also represented at the Salon de la Correspondance in 1782 by two gouaches of landscapes with figures, animals and a waterfall and, in 1783, by two gouaches of Animals. Pillement had acquired the title not only of painter to the King of Poland, but also of painter to Queen Marie-Antoinette. He retired to Lyon, where he died in poverty.

In 1767, Leviez, who had collected all the plates engraved after Pillement's work, published them under the title: Œuvres de Jean Pillement, célèbre peintre et décorateur, consisting of 200 pieces, some engraved by the artist himself, others by Canot, Ravenet, Masson, Wallet and other skilled engravers.