Artwork

Venus and Cupid

Venus and Cupid, by François Boucher, 1736
Venus and Cupid, by François Boucher, 1736

Venus and Cupid is a drawing by the Baroque artist François Boucher. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

If you like this drawing, look up the artist: François Boucher (French, 1703–1770).

A woman with pale skin leans on a cloud, draping her arm over a small winged boy. Roses float around them, and soft light gives the scene a gentle glow. The drawing is delicate, done in warm chalk or pastel tones.

This sketch may not be by François Boucher himself. Experts think a student or someone copying his style might have drawn it. Boucher was known for such dreamy, romantic scenes of gods and love.

If you like this drawing, look up the artist: François Boucher (French, 1703–1770). (Word count: 98)

Overview

The drawing Venus and Cupid depicts a serene scene of a woman and a winged child amidst roses, rendered in soft, warm tones.

Subject & Meaning

The work shows a pale-skinned woman reclining on a cloud with a small winged boy, likely representing Venus and Cupid, surrounded by floating roses, evoking a dreamy atmosphere associated with themes of love.

Technique & Style

Executed in delicate chalk or pastel tones, the drawing exhibits a gentle, soft-light effect, characteristic of the Rococo style, known for its emphasis on elegance and intimacy.

History & Provenance

Although attributed to the style of François Boucher, the drawing's authorship is uncertain, with the possibility that it was created by a talented pupil or an artist emulating Boucher's manner.

Artist & collection

Portrait of François Boucher

Artist

François Boucher

François Boucher was a French painter, draughtsman and etcher, who worked in the Rococo style.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.