Putti As Fishermen, Francois Boucher (paris, 1703 - 1770) School Of

French School of Francois Boucher (Paris, 1703 - 1770)
Putti as Fishermen (Allegory of Water)

18th century

Oil on canvas
65 x 146 cm. - In frame 77 x 157 cm.

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We present a splendid painting, the work of a French painter of the school of Francois Boucher (Paris, 1703 - 1770), depicting a triumph of the canons of the Rococo period, the lightest and at the same time most elegant of styles, capable of interpreting in painting the peculiarities of French society of the Ancien Régime.

Baroque painting with its exuberance and massive forms could not represent the aristocracy, which instead saw in luminosity, decorativism, grace and idyll a more prestigious and representative language.

The composition, which with its elongated shape suggests it was created as an overpainting, is taken from a composition entitled ‘Putti as Fishermen’, made in 1744 by François Boucher, one of whose versions is currently in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (https://emuseum.mfah.org/objects/47234).

In an idyllic landscape view overlooking a stretch of water, three putti are depicted naked and engaged in a playful fishing scene.

A putto, in a central position, stands on a bundle of hay, holding a fishing rod, and is immortalised with a proud expression after catching a small fish. On the left is a cherub turned in profile to the right, almost lying on the rock, in the act of showing a small fish to his companion, while the third, on the right, partially immersed in the water, holds a fishing rod, his gaze fixed on the observer.

The scene is full of movement and light and captures the carefree joy of childhood and the generosity of nature. The soft, rounded forms of the putti, the delicacy of the stroke and the pastel palette are characteristic of Boucher's Rococo style.

Preponderant is the feeling of gracefulness offered by the scene, emphasised by the graceful poses of the protagonists, defined with light, luminous colours, and enhanced by the beautiful play of chiaroscuro. Boucher casually uses the pastel range of his palette and naturally composes the attitudes of his figures.

To this type of subject, symbol par excellence of the frivolous pleasures of life to which the aristocratic class yearned, Francois Boucher and his workshop devoted a large part of their activity, thanks to the great fame of the master and the copious requests from collectors. Our work, chronologically placed in the second half of the 18th century, can be attributed to a pupil or studio assistant of the French painter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is completed by an attractive gilded wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

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

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Ref: W266Y9YIFP