The Birth Of Venus, By François Boucher (paris, 1703–1770)
Artist: François Boucher (paris, 1703 - 1770) Cercle De
François Boucher (Paris, 1703–1770) Circle of
The Birth of Venus
Oil on canvas
76 x 165 cm.
Framed: 88 x 177 cm.
We present a splendid painting by a French artist from the circle of François Boucher (Paris, 1703–1770), depicting the Birth of Venus, a typical subject of the Rococo repertoire—the most graceful and elegant of styles, capable of capturing in painting the distinctive characteristics of the 18th-century French aristocracy, which viewed mythological and idyllic subjects as the most prestigious and representative form of expression.
The painting is based on a composition created in 1754 by François Boucher, titled “The Birth of Venus,” the original of which is housed at the Wallace Collection in London (https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/venus-209448).
On the right is Venus, the goddess of love, reclining in a languid and sensual pose atop a bed of soft sea foam, alluding to Hesiod’s account that the goddess was born from the sea foam, emerging in all her splendor.
This iconographic theme, known as Aphrodite Anadiomene (meaning “emerging from the waters”), fully embodies the beauty ideals popularized by the French Rococo style, with the fair-skinned goddess highlighting her soft curves and her finely arranged blonde hair. To give a face to our goddess of beauty, Boucher drew on the features of his patron, Madame de Pompadour, who, in addition to being King Louis XV’s most famous mistress, was also the most powerful French woman of the 18th century—the perfect embodiment of the 18th-century ideal of a beautiful, cultured, and fashionable woman.
At her side are two Cupids: one holding a lit torch (a symbol of romantic passion) and another holding a dove (her symbol par excellence). On the left, the head of a fantastical sea creature emerges from the waters—a typical element of scenes related to the birth of Venus that deliberately contrasts with the delicacy of the divine figures.
The entire scene is immersed in an ethereal and idyllic atmosphere, emphasized by the graceful poses of the figures, rendered in light and luminous colors—predominantly in a pastel palette—which highlight the beautiful interplay of light and shadow.
François Boucher and his workshop devoted much of their work to this type of subject matter—a symbol of the frivolous pleasures of life to which the aristocracy aspired—aided by the master’s great fame and the abundant requests from collectors.
Our work, which can be chronologically dated to the second half of the 18th century, can be attributed to a student or studio assistant of the French painter.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is framed in a lovely gilded wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and oversee the shipment of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, using professional, insured carriers.
Please contact us for any information; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
The Birth of Venus
Oil on canvas
76 x 165 cm.
Framed: 88 x 177 cm.
We present a splendid painting by a French artist from the circle of François Boucher (Paris, 1703–1770), depicting the Birth of Venus, a typical subject of the Rococo repertoire—the most graceful and elegant of styles, capable of capturing in painting the distinctive characteristics of the 18th-century French aristocracy, which viewed mythological and idyllic subjects as the most prestigious and representative form of expression.
The painting is based on a composition created in 1754 by François Boucher, titled “The Birth of Venus,” the original of which is housed at the Wallace Collection in London (https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/venus-209448).
On the right is Venus, the goddess of love, reclining in a languid and sensual pose atop a bed of soft sea foam, alluding to Hesiod’s account that the goddess was born from the sea foam, emerging in all her splendor.
This iconographic theme, known as Aphrodite Anadiomene (meaning “emerging from the waters”), fully embodies the beauty ideals popularized by the French Rococo style, with the fair-skinned goddess highlighting her soft curves and her finely arranged blonde hair. To give a face to our goddess of beauty, Boucher drew on the features of his patron, Madame de Pompadour, who, in addition to being King Louis XV’s most famous mistress, was also the most powerful French woman of the 18th century—the perfect embodiment of the 18th-century ideal of a beautiful, cultured, and fashionable woman.
At her side are two Cupids: one holding a lit torch (a symbol of romantic passion) and another holding a dove (her symbol par excellence). On the left, the head of a fantastical sea creature emerges from the waters—a typical element of scenes related to the birth of Venus that deliberately contrasts with the delicacy of the divine figures.
The entire scene is immersed in an ethereal and idyllic atmosphere, emphasized by the graceful poses of the figures, rendered in light and luminous colors—predominantly in a pastel palette—which highlight the beautiful interplay of light and shadow.
François Boucher and his workshop devoted much of their work to this type of subject matter—a symbol of the frivolous pleasures of life to which the aristocracy aspired—aided by the master’s great fame and the abundant requests from collectors.
Our work, which can be chronologically dated to the second half of the 18th century, can be attributed to a student or studio assistant of the French painter.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is framed in a lovely gilded wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and oversee the shipment of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, using professional, insured carriers.
Please contact us for any information; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
9 900 €
Period: 18th century
Style: Louis 16th, Directory
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting
Width: encadré 85 cm.
Height: encadré 95 cm.
Reference (ID): 1829879
Availability: In stock
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