Jean Antoine Watteau was a renowned French painter of the 18th century, notable for his ornate style that romanticized life in aristocratic Europe. Among the many synonyms for Watteau are "fêtes galantes," a term derived from his themes of lavish fêtes and depictions of aristocracy. Watteau is often referred to as a rococo artist due to his fondness for the rococo style that emerged in France during his lifetime. Other synonyms include "les elegants," a reference to his subjects' elegant dress, as well as "pastoral scenes," due to his penchant for painting rural landscapes and idyllic settings. Watteau was also a master of the genre of portraiture, distinguished by his ethereal brushwork and ability to capture the personalities of his sitters.