Artwork
The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié]
![The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié], by François Boucher, 1754](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/francois-boucher--the-altar-of-friendship-l-autel-de-l-amitie--7a8337d956e95de0-w1024.webp)
The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié] is a drawing by the Romanticist artist François Boucher. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Altar of Friendship is a finished drawing by François Boucher, depicting an allegorical scene of friendship within a serene, pastoral landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing features three women engaged in a symbolic act of friendship: one holding a garland, another pouring wine, and a third observing with a smile. This pastoral allegory reflects Boucher's penchant for mythological and romantic themes.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of Rococo, the drawing employs delicate, light-filled rendering. Notable is Boucher's use of fine, parallel lines to shade the foliage, exemplifying the style's emphasis on graceful, intricate detail.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 1750s, the drawing remained undisclosed during Boucher's lifetime, only surfacing in the 20th century. Its concealment until then adds to its intriguing provenance.
Artist & collection
Artist
François Boucher was a French painter, draughtsman and etcher, who worked in the Rococo style.
