A temporary export bar has been placed on Le Rêve de L’Artiste by Jean-Antoine Watteau. The historic painting once belonged to Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. The masterpiece, valued at £6m, is a fine example of the Baroque style. The vendor is looking for a UK buyer, gallery, or institution to purchase the artwork.
The bar was placed after the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, commonly called RCEWA. Because it is so closely connected with British history and, as such, is of national historical interest, together with its rarity in 18th-century art being an example of the depiction of dream-like imagery, Le Rêve de L’Artiste is of national importance.
Jean-Antoine Watteau was the most influential French painter of his time and one of the founders of the Rococo style. He is usually credited with inventing the Fête Galante genre: small, intimate scenes that investigate the psychology of love set against an idyllic landscape. During his lifetime, Watteau enjoyed great popularity in Britain, as testified by Sir Robert Walpole’s purchase of Le Rêve de L’Artiste in 1736.
The painting hung in Lady Walpole’s dressing room at 10 Downing Street during the last years of Walpole’s ministry. Le Rêve de L’Artiste is remarkable for its ambitious and complicated composition of two dozen characters in a surreal landscape symbolic of the artist’s dream. Unlike most other works by Watteau, this painting combines ideal and wild landscapes, thus making it stand out from the rest of his paintings.
Sir Chris Bryant, Minister of Arts: “This was once owned by our first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, and hung for several years in 10 Downing Street. Watteau’s Le Rêve de L’Artiste has a unique connection with British history. It allows a glimpse into the tastes and development of art in Britain in the 18th century. It gives evidence of the artist’s dream, but perhaps this surrealist fantasia-inspired also inspired the political dreams. All in all, this is an important, unusual work by a genius.”
Mark Hallett, RCEWA, echoed the Minister and described the painting as “beautiful” and “enigmatic.” He added that it “provides us with one of Western art’s earliest and most profound representations of the process of artistic creativity” and emphasised its importance for further research and public appreciation.
The deferral period for the export licence application will end on November 29, 2024. Until then, UK institutions or individuals can purchase the painting at the recommended price of £6,075,000 (plus VAT). Should no buyer come forward, the painting may be exported, potentially losing a significant part of British cultural heritage.
Le Rêve de l’Artiste remains a testimony to Watteau’s genius and leading role in French and British art. Its fate is now at the mercy of the nation’s cultural guardians.