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The exhibition «The Empire of the Senses: from Boucher to Greuze» will soon be held at the Cognacq-Jay Museum, a splendid residence in the heart of the Marais, in eight of its rooms normally used for permanent collections.
The old woodwork decor has given way to an intimate, hushed atmosphere, in deep blue tones reminiscent of 18th century boudoirs.
This exhibition is a true sensual journey into the universe of passions and carnal desires. It commemorates the 250th anniversary of the death of François Boucher. This painter of Louis XV remains the key artist in the development of erotic art of his time. He immortalized the secrets of alcoves by representing feminine beauty in all its volup- tuousness.
Her goddesses show off their charms at leisure in languid suggestive positions, digging their loins to showcase their bare buttocks, playing with the curves of their bodies to underline the ecstasy offered. Libertine nymphs or superb odalisques, all submit with delight to the empire of the senses.
The Age of Enlightenment prohibited the posing of undressed models. The artists of this time, masters and students such as Watteau, Greuze and Fragonard, competed in skill to represent the most carnal impulses, taking as models women with light morals.
Boucher, the famous «painter of the Graces», symbolizes the French Rococo. He was of course performing commissioned works on the theme of pastoral care showing chaste love between gentle shepherds and innocent little girls.
Antoine Watteau (1684-1721), Le Jugement de Pâris, circa 1718-1721, oil on wood, Paris, Louvre museum, department of Paintings RMN-Grand Palais (Louvre Museum) / Franck Raux