The artwork “Portrait of Marie-Louis O’Murphy (Nude on a Sofa)” is an oil on canvas painting by the French artist Francois Boucher, dated to the year 1752. Exemplifying the Rococo art movement, this nude painting (nu) measures 73 by 59 centimeters and is housed in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany.
The artwork depicts a young woman reclining on a luxurious sofa, her body gracefully curved and presented in a sensual, inviting manner. Her skin is rendered with a delicate softness, capturing the luminescent quality of youth. The woman, identified as Marie-Louis O’Murphy, rests her cheek on her hand, her gaze turned away from the viewer, seemingly lost in thought. The rich textures of the sumptuous fabrics, which include flowing drapes and a crushed velvet cushion, are painted with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting Boucher’s skill in rendering different materials. The composition is balanced by the presence of an ornate crown-like incense burner on the floor, alongside a cluster of flowers. The subtle interplay of light and shadow on the figure and surrounding objects enhances the overall sensuality and elegance of the piece, typical of the Rococo style’s emphasis on frivolity and refined pleasure.