A chinoiserie procession of figures riding on elephants with temples beyond

This highly unusual bi-tonal composition has its roots in 12th Century stained glass made for Cistercian monasteries which in 1134 prohibited the use of color in their art. It was only in the early 17th Century that the French terms grisaille and brunaille were coined to describe pictures painted in shades of grey or brown. Verdaille, or green-toned compositions like the present painting are rare.

Well known for depicting theatrical compositions mostly inspired by prints, Pillement's Rococo singeries and chinoiseries were popular at the courts of 18th Century Europe earning him the title of Painter to the King of Portugal, of Poland, and personal painter to Marie-Antoinette.