Francois Boucher (Paris, 1703 – 1770), The Surprised Lovers / The Pleasant Lesson

Francois Boucher (Paris, 1703 – 1770) – workshop/circle –

Pair of paintings
The Surprised Lovers (Les amants surpris)
The Pleasant Lesson ('LAgréable Leçon)

18th century

Oil painting on canvas
cm. 46 x 39 – With frame cm. 71 x 61

All the details of the two works (click HERE)

We present to you this splendid pair of paintings, works by a French painter from the circle of Francois Boucher (Paris, 1703 – 1770), one of the most admired and established artists of mid-XNUMXth century France, and depicting a triumph of the canons of the Rococo period – the most delicate, light and at the same time elegant of styles – capable of interpreting in painting the peculiarities of French society of the Ancien Régime.

Particularly known for his idyllic, Arcadian, sensual and intimately amorous paintings, Boucher had the ability to delight French aristocrats with the subtle ironic intent of his scenes.

The two compositions, created around the 18th century by an artist from his workshop, are taken from the series dedicated to pastoral themes, which depicts joyful children, always immersed in bucolic settings, engaged in romantic activities.

Love, represented in all its lightness and as a hymn to joy, was always highlighted by erotic facets, and our paintings also contain symbols and allusions that would have been clearly understood and read by the spectators of the time.

The first, 'The Pleasant Lesson', derives from a painting by François Boucher (1748; oil on canvas, 92x78 cm, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, URL: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/3803/) in which a pair of young shepherds are immersed in an Arcadian setting; they are intent on watching over their flock of sheep, while the young man lets his companion play the flute, not without ambiguity, capturing the playful spirit much loved in the French court of the time.

Noteworthy is the detail of the ruined fountain, on whose pediment one can read the words “Fountain of Truth”, surmounted by a splendid stone lion with its head raised, an image and icon of faith and fortitude.

The second painting 'The Surprised Lovers' is also based on a painting by François Boucher, now lost, but known from the famous engraving by René GAILLARD (https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl020557780)

The painting shows the same love dynamics, capturing an intimate and romantic moment between a young couple of lovers, hidden in a wooded setting among wild grasses, the perfect place for a secret rendezvous. The two lovers are embraced, and while the young man seems intent on whispering something sweet to her, they are interrupted by a farmer with a scythe in his hand and his dog, traditionally alluding to the skill of love, barking at their feet.

Observing the scenes, the predominant sensation is the one of gracefulness that derives from them, emphasized by the graceful poses of the protagonists and by the masterful use of the palette, where the colors are clear and bright.

Francois Boucher and his workshop dedicated a large part of their activity to this type of subject, the symbol par excellence of the frivolous pleasures of life that the aristocratic class yearned for, thanks to the master's great fame and the copious requests from collectors, and our works can be attributed to a pupil or a studio assistant of the painter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The paintings are sold complete with 2 pleasant golden frames and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the paintings in the gallery of Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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