This is a replica of a painting on panel, of similar dimensions and dated 1718-9 in the J Paul Getty Museum. Watteau was a popular artist throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and his works were disseminated through prints – this composition was engraved by Audran the Younger with the title ‘La Surprise’. This made it easy for artists to manufacture replicas and versions of his compositions. This example is of reasonable quality and may date from near the time of the original.