Venus and Cupid

Maker François Boucher (French, 1703 - 1770)

Collections

European Painting Highlights

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1769

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions28 x 23 3/8 in. (71.1 x 59.4 cm.)

DescriptionThe half figure of Venus, partly draped in a blue mantle, her hair held back by a blue ribbon, smiling at Cupid, who offers her flowers.

SignedSigned and dated at center left edge: F. Boucher / 1769

InscribedSigned and dated at center left edge: F. Boucher / 1769

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Adele S. Browning Memorial Collection, gift of Mildred Browning Green and Honorable Lucius Peyton Green

Status

On view

Label TextPainted near the end of his life, Venus and Cupid shows both a favorite subject of Boucher and his lively style of painting. The vibrant blue drapery that cascades across Venus’s lap, the delicate flowers and the refined features of the goddess’s face, attest to the skill of this prolific artist. In addition to his canvas paintings, he also produced designs for tapestries and porcelain, examples of which can be found in The Huntington's collections.

Object number78.20.1