The Lille Braderie in Paintings
Through the Eyes of Watteau de Lille

The Braderie de Lille is one of the oldest and most significant commercial events in Europe. Its origins date back to the 12 th century, when house servants were allowed to sell their masters' used belongings once a year, during the annual fair. Over time, the Braderie evolved into a massive popular gathering held on the first weekend of September, mixing merchants, second-hand dealers, street hawkers, and curious visitors.


François Watteau, (1758-1823)
The Lille Procession of 1789
Vieux-Lille, Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse

From the 18 th century onwards, the Braderie took on the form we know today: sprawling across Lille’s city center, it attracted not only traders but also artists, becoming a true social microcosm. It was in this vibrant context that Louis Watteau, known as Watteau de Lille, established himself as the visual chronicler of Lille’s daily life.

Antoine and Louis Watteau

Born in Valenciennes in 1731 and active in Lille until his death in 1798, Louis Watteau belonged to a family of artists—he was the nephew of Antoine Watteau, the renowned master of Rococo painting. Though a generation apart, Antoine and Louis Watteau shared a similar sensitivity for staging human figures: the former in the refined elegance of fêtes galantes, the latter in the bustling energy of urban life in Lille.


Antoine Watteau (Valenciennes 1684 - Nogent sur-marne 1721)
A Young Woman Wearing a Headpiece
Black chalk, red chalk, and white highlights
16,2 x 11,5 cm

But far from his uncle’s pastoral scenes, Louis—known as Watteau de Lille—chose to depict reality: the city, the people, the events, the lively streets, and the popular gatherings.


Louis Joseph Watteau, dit Watteau de Lille (Valenciennes 1731 - Lille 1798)
The Arrival of the Young Apprentice
Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left: L. Watteau 1787
67 x 83 cm


Louis Joseph Watteau, dit Watteau de Lille (Valenciennes 1731 - Lille 1798)
Hubert, Drunk, Leaving the Tavern, c.1800
Walnut panel
Inscribed on the back: Watteau de Lille
22 x 28 cm

Watteau de Lille and the braderie

Among the subjects Watteau de Lille captured with the most liveliness is the Braderie de Lille. He painted its crowds, street vendors, overflowing stalls, children, dogs, and passersby. His style combines documentary precision with vibrant brushwork, making his work a vivid record of Enlightenment-era Lille. These paintings form a vital collection for understanding the visual representation of the city and its people in 18 th -century art, especially in northern France.

Several major works by Watteau de Lille are preserved in Lille’s museums, offering a rare and valuable glimpse into 18 th -century urban life—particularly at the Hospice Comtesse Museum.


François Watteau, (1758-1823)
La Braderie

Appraisal Days in Lille
By appointment – Contact: boddaert@aguttes.com

02/09 – Collector Watches
04/09 – Old Master Paintings & Drawings
09/09 – Asian Painters
11/09 – Fine Jewellery & Pearls
16/09 – Musical Instruments & Bows
18/09 – Furniture & Decorative Arts – Haute Époque, Carpets
23/09 – Post-War & Contemporary Art
25/09 – 20th-Century Decorative Arts & Design
30/09 – Collector Cars

This calendar is subject to change. Additional dates may be added.