School of Jean-Michel MOREAU (1741-1814) - Lot 8

School of Jean-Michel MOREAU (1741-1814) Party given by Madame du Barry in the presence of Louis XV at Louveciennes, September 2, 1771 Watercolor gouache, pen and India ink 31.3 x 26.3 cm Glued in full on an antique mount Minor spotting at bottom. Architectural structure traced with a stylus. Related work: The original drawing by Moreau le Jeune is in the Louvre (Inv. 31360). The Pavillon de Louveciennes was built by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux for Madame du Barry in record time. The interior is a pinnacle of decoration, and the nouveau style triumphs. The room pictured here is the salon de musique, where dinner is served. François Boucher painted the "Couronnement de Flore" seen in our drawing, Goûthière and Deumier supplied the bronzes, and Louis Delanois designed the seats. The pavilion was inaugurated on September 2, 1771 with a memorable party for Louis XV. A play by Charles Collé entitled "La partie de chasse de Henri IV" ("Henri IV's Hunting Party") was performed, a fine musical dinner was given and a fireworks display brought the evening to a fitting close.