Allegory of Venus with Cupids. Oil on canvas. Enthroned by BOUCHER, François (Paris, 1703-1770). The scene presents, in the background, an idyllic natural landscape, 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 appears reclining, dressed in a white tunic, a red skirt and a blue cloak, and a red ribbon in her hair; to her left, two cupids or cherubs appear, one with a garland of flowers and the other seems to be holding the young woman by the cloak. Iconographically, it could be Venus, although it is more common for the goddess to be presented half-naked or completely naked, so it is also possible that it is an allegory (given the crown of flowers, perhaps of Spring). Or, being a Rococo painting, it could also allude allegorically to a more abstract concept (virtue in the purity of love, etc.). The oil painting is set in the environment of François Boucher, a French painter considered one of the most important of the gallant style, situated within the Rococo. He was highly appreciated for his paintings of idyllic themes, the voluptuousness of his treatment, his mythological, allegorical and pastoral works and for several portraits of Madame de Pompadour. He sought a very detailed finish in his works, with a somewhat peculiar palette. After a somewhat troubled apprenticeship, he won the Prix de Rome in 1723 (which he could not enjoy due to lack of funds until four years later). Upon his return, he entered the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, of which he became rector, and was also director of the Royal Gobelin Tapestry Factory, being named First Painter to the king in 1765. In addition to paintings, usually small in format, he also made illustrations for books, designed theatre costumes and sets, tapestries, porcelain, etc. 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 in New York, etc.
· Size: 87x4x123 cms / int. 67x103 cms.
ANTIQUES
Ref.: ZF1127
