The Setting of the Sun 1 by François Boucher

This allegorical composition of great rococo theatricality constitutes a pinnacle of French decorative art. Entitled “The Setting of the Sun”, this luminous work belongs to the cycle of great celestial deities executed to celebrate the triumph of light by the painter François Boucher. The work testifies to the constant favor that mythological painting of poetic and theatrical inspiration enjoyed with royal patrons of the time.

At the center of a sea of misty clouds and foamy waves, the god Apollo prepares to mount his celestial chariot guided by spirited white horses. Draped in a pink fabric floating in the wind, he stretches his arms toward a marine nymph semi-reclining in the water, symbol of the night fading before the dawn. Around them, a multitude of sea nymphs and small cupids frolic on the waves, while in the upper left, celestial figures spread a heavy dark blue drapery to hide the rising moon. A bright star twinkles at the top of the composition, announcing daybreak. The chromatic transition between the darkness of the night sky and the golden glow of dawn beautifully structures the space.

The artist demonstrates an uncommon mastery in managing diffuse light and atmospheric contrasts here. His refined oil painting technique allows for a harmonious blending of the pearly tones of the bodies with the natural elements. This masterly work illustrates a first-rate craftsmanship.