Cupid a Captive

Question 1

Subject?

Answer 1

Inspired by the mythological narrative of Cupid captured by the muses.

Question 2

Cupid?

Answer 2

A naked young boy who gazes and gestures upwards as he lays on a raised bed of rich fabrics.

Question 3

The three muses?

Answer 3

One girl holds a quiver of arrows, the second wraps the boy in a garland of
flowers, whilst the third sits with a bow resting on her leg and holds one gold
arrow.

Question 4

The putti

Answer 4

Two winged putti, accompanied by a dove, hover above –one holds a flaming torch in his hand and they both gaze and gesture downwards towards the figure of the boy.

Question 5

Setting?

Answer 5

According to Boucher the natural world was too green & badly lit. Therefore, he idealises the setting with billowing fabrics merging into glistening, flower-filled trees.

Question 6

Influence of Rococo?

Answer 6

Seen here in Boucher’s use of pastel colours and soft lighting, as well as the focus on luxurious fabrics and the iconographical programme of romantic love and sensuality. Creates a sense of decorative artificiality.

Question 7

Classical Narrative?

Answer 7

Inspired by the Greek poet Anacreon and the Renaissance scholar Petrarch who both describe Cupid’s capture.

Question 8

Size and Shape?

Answer 8

The size and shape suggest that it was probably created as part of an interior
design programme.

Question 9

Golden bow and arrows?

Answer 9

The son of Venus, the goddess of love. Identified here by his attribute, the golden
bow and arrows, which he used to shoot his victims with bolts of passion.

Question 10

Garland of flowers

Answer 10

A reference to the accounts of the myth by Anacreon and Petrarch.

Question 11

Roses

Answer 11

In classical mythology roses are the flower specifically associated with Cupid
and romantic love.

Question 12

Third figure seated behind cupid?

Answer 12

Her hair, facial features, skin tone and dress appear slightly different to the other two muses –perhaps this is a portrait of Marie-Louise O’Murphy, one of Louis XV’s mistresses, and it is possible that this work specifically recognises the love
interest of the King

Question 13

Louis XV and Rococo style?

Answer 13

The Rococo style was synonymous with the overindulgence of the reign of Louis
XV– seen here in Boucher’s decorative style and lack of moral message. During
his reign, France became involved in a series of costly wars, resulting in a
weakened economy exacerbated by royal over spending. The unpopular king
laying the foundations for the French Revolution of 1789.

Question 14

Marquise du Pompadour

Answer 14

The Marquise de Pompadour was the senior mistress of Louis XV. She was a
major patron of the arts in her own right and her taste shaped Rococo style –
she was a key supporter of Boucher and could possibly be the patron of this
work.

Question 15

Rococo style as an interior design programme?

Answer 15

Rococo was particularly popular in art, furniture and interior design and became
synonymous with the highly decorative, courtly style of mid 18c France.

Question 16

Later reaction against the Rococo from the
Neoclassical/Enlightenment period:

Answer 16

By end of the 18c social and political attitudes were changing due to the Age
of Enlightenment, resulting in the rejection of the frivolous Rococo style of
Boucher and a return to a ‘grand style’ emphasizing antiquity and nobility in the
arts.

Question 17

Oil paint?

Answer 17

Slow drying which allows for precision of detail such as the flowers and
foliage. Wet on wet application allows Boucher to create tonality and depth
through colour, seen in the rich greens and contrasting pinks.

Question 18

Colour?

Answer 18

Boucher relies upon a muted colour palate of soft pinks, blues and greens.
These colours are synonymous with Rococo style.

Question 19

Style of ancient regime?

Answer 19

At the time of its production Cupid a Captive represented the height of
fashionable style. However, as fashions, and politics, changed in France
following the Age of Enlightenment and the French Revolution (1789) the
Rococo -and by extension Francois Boucher - fell from favour.

Question 20

Boucher?

Answer 20

Trained as a draftsman and furniture decorator –hence his mastery of the
decorative Rococo style. In 1742 he was appointed a court painter - largely
as a result of support from the Marquise de Pompadour. In 1765 Boucher
was appointed Premier painter du roi (Louis XV).

Question 21

Patron?

Answer 21

Unknown patron – however possibly Marquise du Pompadour. Rococo style,
romantic subject and potential reference to the King’s mistress suggest it was
commissioned to decorate the home of a member of the French aristocracy.