Brief Biography-Nicolas (Nicholas) Lancret was born in Paris in 1690. He began studies with Pierre d'Ulin; however, his primary instruction was by Claude Gillot alongside Jean Antoine Watteau, who profoundly influenced him. Unfortunately, two of his paintings got attributed to Watteau, which led to them falling out. Nevertheless, Lancret subsequently became acquainted with many patrons, and he achieved much success. The Academy elected Lancret as 'Conseiller' in 1735, and Louis XV commissioned six of his works for Versailles. He married in 1741 and died three years later. Nicolas Lancret was a painter of fêtes galantes 'amorous dalliances' in the style of Watteau but considered 'almost' equal in skill to his mentor.