Description
The painting "The Reading of the Letter" by François Boucher is a masterpiece of 18th-century French Rococo. This painting depicts a young woman reading a letter while a man watches her with interest. The composition is harmonious and balanced, with great attention to detail and a sense of fluid movement.
Boucher's artistic style is characterized by the sensuality and delicacy of his figures, as well as by the use of soft and bright colours. In this work, the artist uses a palette of pastel tones, with an emphasis on pink and bluish tones. Light filters through a window, creating a soft and calm environment.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by King Louis XV's mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Boucher was one of the favorite artists of the French court, and this work is an example of his ability to capture the elegance and grace of the French aristocracy.
A little known aspect of this work is that the female figure is based on Boucher's lover, Marie-Louise O'Murphy. O'Murphy was a young Irish girl who became Boucher's mistress at the age of 14. The male figure, on the other hand, is believed to represent her lover, the famous philosopher Voltaire.
In short, "The Reading of the Letter" is an impressive work that combines aesthetic beauty with history and intrigue. Boucher's artistic style and attention to detail make this painting a masterpiece of French Rococo.