ALLEGORY OR VENUS WITH CUPIDS. OIL ON CANVAS. 18TH CENTURY
Antiques - Paintings
Reference: ZF1127
Allegory or Venus with Cupids. Oil on canvas. Surroundings of BOUCHER, François (Paris, 1703-1770). The scene features an idyllic natural landscape in the background, with trees to the left and an open horizon to the right, revealing orange clouds alluding to a sunset over rocky mountains. In the foreground, a young woman reclins, dressed in a white tunic, red skirt, and blue cloak, with a red ribbon in her gathered hair. To her left are two cupids or cherubs, one holding a garland of flowers and the other seemingly grasping the young woman's cloak. Iconographically, it could be Venus, although the goddess is more commonly depicted semi-nude or fully nude, so it's also possible that it's an allegory (given the crown of flowers, perhaps representing Spring). Or, being a Rococo painting, it could allude allegorically to a more abstract concept (virtue in the purity of love, etc.). The oil painting belongs to the circle of François Boucher, a French painter considered one of the most important figures of the galant style within the Rococo movement. He was highly regarded for his idyllic paintings, the voluptuousness of his technique, his mythological, allegorical, and pastoral works, and for several portraits of Madame de Pompadour. He sought a highly detailed finish in his works, employing a somewhat distinctive palette. After a rather eventful apprenticeship, he won the Prix de Rome in 1723 (which he was unable to enjoy due to lack of funds until four years later). Upon his return, he joined the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, eventually becoming its rector, and also directed the Royal Gobelins Tapestry Factory, being appointed First Painter to the King in 1765. In addition to paintings, usually small-format, he also produced book illustrations, designed costumes and theatrical sets, tapestries, porcelain, and more. His work is preserved in institutions such as the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, the Metropolitan Museum of New York, etc.
· Size: 87x4x123 cms / int. 67x103 cms.
12.000 €
