Angelica and Medoro

François Boucher

Created:
Movement:
1763
Rococo
key Notes:
Rococo elegance, Mythological romance
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Dimensions:
Oval, 26 1/4 x 22 1/8 in. (66.7 x 56.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
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story of the work:

"Angelica and Medoro" is a painting by François Boucher, created in 1763. The work depicts a scene from Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem "Orlando Furioso," which tells the story of the love between the characters Angelica and Medoro. Boucher, known for his Rococo style, employs vibrant colors and soft brushwork to convey intimacy and romance. The composition features Angelica and Medoro in a lush, idyllic landscape, emphasizing themes of love and beauty. This painting reflects Boucher's interest in mythological and literary subjects, common in 18th-century French art. "Angelica and Medoro" is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. The painting exemplifies Boucher's ability to blend narrative with decorative elements, characteristic of his oeuvre. Specific details regarding the commission or the painting's provenance prior to its acquisition by the museum are unknown.

Description of the work:

"Angelica and Medoro," painted by François Boucher in 1763, is an oil on canvas work that exemplifies the Rococo style. The composition features the titular characters, Angelica and Medoro, depicted in a lush, idyllic landscape. Angelica is portrayed with flowing, delicate garments that accentuate her graceful form, while Medoro is shown in a more relaxed pose, emphasizing intimacy. The color palette is characterized by soft pastels, with a predominance of pinks, greens, and blues, creating a harmonious and romantic atmosphere. Boucher employs fluid brushwork to convey the textures of the figures' clothing and the surrounding foliage. The background is filled with a serene sky and gentle hills, enhancing the sense of tranquility. The figures are positioned in a way that suggests a narrative moment, capturing the essence of love and tenderness. Overall, the painting reflects Boucher's mastery of light and shadow, contributing to the three-dimensionality of the figures.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Angelica and Medoro