Fishing (1752) by Francois Boucher

Fishing - Francois Boucher - 1752

Artwork Information

TitleFishing
ArtistFrancois Boucher
Date1752
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions150 x 188 cm
Art MovementRococo
Current LocationGrand Trianon, Paris, France

About Fishing

The artwork entitled “Fishing,” created by Francois Boucher in 1752, is an oil on canvas masterpiece reflective of the Rococo art movement. With dimensions of 150 by 188 centimeters, this pastoral scene is currently housed in the Grand Trianon, Paris, France.

In the artwork, one observes a bucolic and idyllic setting, that is a hallmark of Rococo’s effervescent and decorative style. The composition is airy and light, filled with a sense of leisure and the indulgence of the upper classes. Four figures can be seen enjoying a leisurely day by a body of water amidst lush foliage. A young woman stands in the foreground, poised as if she has just caught a fish, her apron held up to prevent it from getting soiled. Her expression is one of playful triumph. Beside her, a seated man actively participates in the fishing endeavor, holding onto the rod while his attention is split between his task and the woman.

On the ground, we find another woman reclining comfortably, cradled by the lap of a second man whose gaze is affectionately fixed upon her. Their relaxed postures and intimate interaction contribute to the romantic and gentle ambiance typical of pastoral genre scenes. A sense of tranquility is emphasized by the soft, diffuse lighting and the naturalistic yet idealized landscape, which includes a distant cityscape subtly included in the background. The clothing of the figures, while suggestive of rural life, carries an air of refinement and elegance, further enhancing the idealized quality of the artwork.

Boucher’s skill in combining figures with landscape to tell a story of leisure and pleasure is evident, as is his mastery in the use of color and light to create a harmonious and engaging tableau that invites the viewer to partake in this serene moment in nature.

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