Artwork

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans, by Edme Bouchardon, chalk, 1735
Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans, by Edme Bouchardon, chalk, 1735

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Edme Bouchardon. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:in pen and brown ink at lower left: CR; verso, in pen and brown ink at upper left: No 2, and at upper center: No 5 (scribbled out in pen and black ink); in graphite at center: 1244; in graphite at lower left: E. Bouchardon/Esquisse pour la fontaine de la Rue de GRENELLE à PARIS; in graphite at lower right: matter's notes and A.19066; in another hand, CR; and barely legible in graphite at bottom right: Bouchardon

About this work

Overview

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans is a detailed red chalk drawing on two joined sheets of laid paper, created around 1735 by Edme Bouchardon. The work depicts a mythological fountain scene.

Subject & Meaning

At the center of the composition is Venus, goddess of love, surrounded by putti (cherubs) and swans. The interactions among the putti and swans add a dynamic layer to the mythological tableau.

Technique & Style

Executed in red chalk, the drawing showcases meticulous detail, particularly in the rendered folds of Venus's attire. The archway framing the scene enhances the sense of spatial depth.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1735 by French artist Edme Bouchardon, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

While the drawing's style aligns more closely with the nuanced detail of the Rococo period, its grandeur and thematic elements reflect broader Baroque influences prevalent in 18th-century European art.

Legacy

The drawing's impact or influence on subsequent artistic works is not specified in the provided context, though it reflects the artistic tastes of its time.

A Fountain with Three Tritons
A Fountain with Three Tritons, Joseph Ignace François Parrocel

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans?

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans was painted by Edme Bouchardon in 1735.

Where can I see Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans?

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans?

Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans?

Museum-quality prints of Rocaille Fountain with Venus, Amorini, and Swans are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.