Circle of François Boucher, Seated Bather (Baigneuse Assise), Oil on Panel

Details

Description

**French School, 18th century, circle of François Boucher (1703–1770)**
*Seated Bather (Baigneuse assise)*
Oil on panel

This intimate and atmospheric … Read more **French School, 18th century, circle of François Boucher (1703–1770)**
*Seated Bather (Baigneuse assise)*
Oil on panel

This intimate and atmospheric painting depicts a young nude woman seated on the edge of a rock or pool, with her legs in the water. The figure is slightly turned to the side, her head bowed, dark hair falling over her shoulders, conveying an expression of quiet contemplation. The dramatic tenebrist lighting – a strong light falling from above to illuminate the body in warm golden-yellow tones against an almost completely dark background – creates an erotic yet mystical mood characteristic of French Rococo.

The soft, idealized modelling of the flesh and subtle sensuality strongly recall the works of François Boucher, the leading master of the Rococo nude, who produced numerous variations on the theme of bathers (baigneuses) in the 1740s and 1750s.

Provenance:
Formerly in a European private collection; acquired on the Vienna antiques market (Austria). The object has been in Europe for several decades.

**Condition**
The painting on wooden panel exhibits natural signs of age typical of the 18th century: fine overall craquelure, heavily yellowed and darkened varnish, surface dirt, and flaking paint along the edges. The panel itself shows oxidation with natural cracks. Professional conservation (cleaning, panel stabilisation, and varnish removal) is recommended, which would reveal further details and significantly enhance the appearance.


An attractive and rare example of a French Rococo nude on panel, with clear influence from François Boucher – ideal for collectors of 18th-century figurative art. Further expert examination of the underdrawing is recommended. See less