Cerchia Di Francois Boucher, the Birth of Venus Boucher, 1770, Oil on Canvas

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Description

Circle of francois boucher (paris, 1703 - 1770)

the birth of venus

oil on canvas

76 x 165 cm.
framed … Read more Circle of francois boucher (paris, 1703 - 1770)

the birth of venus

oil on canvas

76 x 165 cm.
framed 88 x 177 cm.

we present a splendid painting by a french painter from the circle of francois boucher (paris, 1703 - 1770). It depicts the birth of venus, a typical subject of the rococo repertoire, the most graceful and elegant of styles, capable of interpreting in painting the peculiarities of the 18th-century french aristocracy, which saw mythological and idyllic subjects as the most prestigious and representative language.

the canvas is based on a composition conceived in 1754 by françois boucher, entitled "the birth of venus," the original of which is held at the wallace collection in london

on the right is venus, goddess of love, reclining in a languid and sensual pose on a blanket of soft sea foam, alluding to hesiod's tale of the goddess being born from the sea foam, emerging in all her splendor.

this iconographic theme, known as aphrodite anadyomene (meaning "emerged from the waters"), fully embodies the canons of beauty popularized by the french rococo, with the goddess's pale complexion enhancing her soft curves and her finely gathered blond hair. To portray our goddess of beauty, boucher used the features of his patron, madame de pompadour, who, in addition to being the most famous mistress of king louis xv, 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 burning torch (a symbol of amorous passion) and the other holding a dove (her symbol par excellence). On the left, the head of a fantastical marine creature emerges from the water, a typical element of scenes related to the birth of venus, deliberately contrasting with the delicacy of the divine bodies.

the entire scene is immersed in an ethereal and idyllic atmosphere, emphasized by the graceful poses of the protagonists, defined by light and luminous colors, predominantly pastel, which enhance the beautiful play of light and shade.

françois boucher and his workshop devoted much of their attention to this type of subject, a symbol of the frivolous pleasures of life coveted by the aristocracy, thanks to the master's great fame and the abundant demand from collectors.

our work, 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 presented in a beautiful gilded wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic .

we handle and organize the shipping of purchased works, both in italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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