Watteau painted this life-size portrait, which he originally titled Gilles, using oil paints. A museum later changed the name to Pierrot, meaning actor or buffoon, to help others relate to the work. Many critics appoint Watteau as the pioneer of Rococo painting,  and his work ischaracterized with faded colors and details, soft lines, and common themes of youth, love, and nature. Despite the cool tones and depressing expression on the subject's face, the painting leaves me feeling content despite the obvious story.

The subject is assumed to be the artist, sad because his lover left him for another man. The natural lighting in the scene directly shines primarily on the subject and then on the other people. The bright white draws the eye to the centered subject surrounded by the circular composition which the subject and some trees intercept. 

The background is lighted much darker than the rest except the sky. The people in the foreground show movement with the wind and their actions. On the left, another clown rides a donkey while the boss, on the right, instructs them. The two lovers watch the secondary clown and the subject appears ignored. I initially looked at the subject's uniform, and then at the secondary people, adding to the concept of people ignoring the subject through his face and expression. Overall, I enjoy this painting because despite its sad story, it remains an aesthetically appealing painting that leaves me feeling carefree as opposed to stressed.