The Capricious Girl

Watteau's Capricious Girl tells a tale of thwarted, frustrated love. The girl appears flirty by nature, but her posture reveals a haughty attitude. She sits up straight her back turned to her pursuer. One must take note of her flustered cheeks - perhaps the gentleman behind her has said something flirtatious to embarrass her. Maybe her interests are peaked, and the flushing of her cheeks reveals her excitement. Or, it is possible that the man has gone too far and has said something to enrage her. It could be that the moment before she was facing him, but now, annoyed with his inappropriateness, she has turned her back, refusing to look at him, her posture now rigid.