Venus and Cupid (second or third quarter 18th century)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Francois Boucher's "Venus and Cupid" is an enchanting display of artistry and mythology, captured beautifully in this 18th-century sketch. The drawing highlights a tender and intimate moment between Venus, the goddess of love, and Cupid, her son and the mischievous god of desire. Venus, depicted with a serene and slightly contemplative expression, reclines gracefully, her body half-draped in flowing robes. Her posture and the softness of the fabric underscore a sense of elegance and divine calm. Beside her, the youthful Cupid is shown in a playful yet relaxed pose, his attention perhaps caught by unseen events outside the frame.Boucher's mastery in handling the chalk medium is evident in the finesse of the lines and the meticulous details in the folds of the garments and the delicate features of the figures. The sketch not only serves as a standalone piece of art but also likely acted as a preparatory work for a larger, more detailed painting. This piece is a quintessential example of Rococo art, with its focus on themes of love and sensuality, marked by a lightness and graceful movement.
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François Boucher (1703–1770) was a French painter, engraver, illustrator and printmaker. He was a proponent of Rococo and had a huge influence in spreading the style throughout Europe. His art was idyllic and voluptuous with a high-toned palette of blues and pinks. He created designs for all decorative arts, porcelains and tapestries. Boucher also painted several portraits including his patroness Madame de Pompadour. He is one of the most celebrated decorative artists of the 18th century.