07 Nov A journey to the 18th century with the frescoes of François Boucher
Today Mariani Affreschi takes you on a trip to France in discovery of the painting style and seductive works of François Boucher (1703-1770). Boucher was perhaps the most celebrated decorative artist of the 18th century and his works were extremely popular among the French aristocracy. Inspired by the elegant superficiality of French court life in the 18th century, the painter created most of his paintings using a classic style characterised by a clean and precise design, where the objective was to create a harmonious composition in perfect keeping with the Rococo style.
Classic style and harmonious forms characterise this delightful fresco of putti inspired by Boucher
The son of a painter, Boucher began working as an engraver under Jean François Cars, learning the art of decoration. During this time, he met another well-known engraver, Jean de Julienne, who invited him to participate in the publication of paintings and drawings by Antoine Watteau. However, Boucher’s social and artistic rise began later when, after being admitted to the Academy of France in Paris, he began receiving important commissions until becoming, under the protection and with the friendship of Madame de Pompadour, the “first painter of the King”.
Putti with a torch on gold leaf by Mariani Affreschi
Among his most important works are two which have been beautifully interpreted in Mariani frescoes: Venus Consoling Love and Diana Resting After her Bath.
A subject much loved by Boucher (1703-1770), Venus Consoling Love, in a fresco by Mariani
Both frescoes are full of charm and elegance although they tell two different stories. In the first, the subject of the painting is, as shown, a sensual Venus whose face, in the original painting, was of Madame de Pompadour. The second painting has a mythological theme which is represented by the Goddess of the Hunt, Diana, who, upon being spied on by Actaeon while bathing in a river, transforms him into a deer.
An evocative and seductive fresco created by Mariani Art Masters inspired by Boucher’s Diana Resting after her Bath
These subjects, as well as all the Mariani artworks inspired by François Boucher (like the delightful putti and decorations) are extremely tasteful and elegant, which makes them perfect for any room, from the bedroom to the living room and bathroom.
Beautiful floral decorations in a Mariani fresco inspired by Boucher’s young boys
A poetic scene, the “Young Boy with a Dog” by the French artist, interpreted by Mariani
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