- 56
Studio of François Boucher
Description
- François Boucher
- Venus Disarming Cupid
- bears indistinct signature lower left: Boucher
- oil on canvas, unframed
Condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The present painting repeats a composition by Boucher, signed lower right f. Boucher, which was sold along with a companion, Cupid Caressing Venus, London, Phillips, 4 July 2000, lot 77. The original works, oval in format, were commissioned by Louis XV to decorate the "appartement des bains" at the royal Château de Choisy. Boucher used the theme of Venus Disarming Cupid in a number of compositions (see for example J. Baillio (ed.), The Arts of France from François Ier to Napoléon Ier: A Centennial Celebration of Wildenstein's Presence in New York, exhibition catalogue, New York 2005-6, p. 210, fig. 78b) and as Colin Bailey has recognized, he was inspired by Watteau's picture of the same subject in the Musée Condé, Chantilly (see Baillio, op.cit, p. 195).