Impressive Artwork Francoise Boucher

Artist Francois Boucher was a French court painter in the 18th century in the Rococo art style. His artworks were based on allegories of classical and mythological subjects, portraits, and pastoral scenes.

Diana Bathing is a painting that depicts the Roman goddess Diana with one of her servants. She is the goddess of the countryside and hunting in ancient Roman and Greek mythology.  Created in oil on canvas, this artwork is emblematic of the Rococo art movement. Diana is shown seated, in a moment of repose, with an attendant aiding her.

Fishing, or “La pêche à la ligne” as it’s referred to in French, is another overly idealized depiction of a couple and an accompanying girl and child as they are fishing in a small river. The painting is an oil on canvas. (pictured above)

Jupiter and Callisto is another mythological depiction of the king of the gods, Jupiter, attempting to seduce Callisto, a nymph and the daughter of King Lycaon. He does this while disguised as the Roman goddess Diana. The figures are arranged in a dynamic yet harmonious manner, emphasizing movement and emotion.

Pastoral with a Couple near a Fountain is also known as the “Autumn Pastoral” and is considered to be one of the most famous pastoral paintings that Boucher created. A wonderful artwork in a quiet and peaceful setting surrounded by sheep.

Portrait of Madame Pompador is a painting that depicts a woman named Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour. She was the mistress of King Louis XV and the principal patron of Francois Boucher, helping to establish the Rococo genre.

Rinaldo and Armida is a painting that depicts two lovers derived from a 16th-century poem by Torquato Tasso. It is a masterpiece of Rococo art that depicts the two main characters of the Renaissance epic “Jerusalem Delivered” by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso. In the painting, Rinaldo, a Christian knight, can be seen being seduced by the sorceress Armida, who seeks revenge against the Crusaders. Boucher manages to capture the tension between lust and virtue through his exquisite use of color and composition.

The Blonde Odalisque is the title of two separate portraits that presumably depict a young girl named Marie-Louise O’Murphy (1737-1814), a prostitute of Irish descent who became a lesser mistress of King Louis XV.

The Triumph of Venus is a painting that depicts a mythological scene in which the Roman goddess Venus is glorified. The painting was commissioned by a Swedish politician and a count named Carl Gustaf Tessin; later the painting was sold to the King of Sweden. The delicacy and femininity of Venus are enhanced by the richness of the details in the artwork, from the flowing fabrics to the delicate flowers surrounding her. Boucher manages to capture the essence of the goddess of love and beauty in a charming and elegant way, making this painting an iconic work of Rococo art.

Venus Consoling Love is a painting depicting the Roman goddess Venus in the process of taking away arrows from Cupid. It’s one of the ultimate representations of the Rococo style with exaggerated beauty in an idyllic setting. The painting was commissioned by Madame de Pompadour. Venus sits beside the pond with doves, the goddess's symbol. The white doves at her feet, her complexion, and the pearls in her hair are just as luxurious as the silk draperies that were wrapped around her but now are lying on the ground. Boucher painted the artwork with soft pastel tones using a dim silvery light.

Vulcan Presenting Venus with Arms for Aeneas is a large painting depicting the Roman god of fire, Vulcan, presenting weapons he created for the son of the Roman goddess Venus named Aeneas.