Who painted The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié]?

The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié] was painted by François Boucher in 1754.

Where can I see The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié]?

The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié] is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié]?

The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié] is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié]?

Museum-quality prints of The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié]

François Boucher , 1754

The Altar of Friendship [l’Autel de l'Amitié] is a drawing by the Romanticist artist François Boucher. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Altar of Friendship is a finished drawing by François Boucher, depicting an allegorical scene of friendship within a serene, pastoral landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features three women engaged in a symbolic act of friendship: one holding a garland, another pouring wine, and a third observing with a smile. This pastoral allegory reflects Boucher's penchant for mythological and romantic themes.

Technique & Style

Characteristic of Rococo, the drawing employs delicate, light-filled rendering. Notable is Boucher's use of fine, parallel lines to shade the foliage, exemplifying the style's emphasis on graceful, intricate detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 1750s, the drawing remained undisclosed during Boucher's lifetime, only surfacing in the 20th century. Its concealment until then adds to its intriguing provenance.