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363 - The Abduction of Europa & Jupiter and Callisto.
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Estimate €6,000 - €9,000
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Description
The Abduction of Europa & Jupiter and Callisto. Pair of tapestries, probably Germany. Second half of the 18th century. After François BOUCHER (1703-1770). Height : 275 cm : 275 cm ; Width : 123 cm and Height. 261 cm ; Width 123 cm. These two entre-fenêtres with figures on a yellow background were inspired by compositions by François BOUCHER (1703-1770). In his Amours des dieux series, the painter produced light, sensual works with a palpable erotic accent, which had a resounding echo in the European decorative arts. Jupiter and Callisto takes up the central motif of the eponymous composition by François BOUCHER in 1763 (New York, Metropolitan Museum, no. 1982.60.45). Here we find the figures at the foot of a tree and the evocative gesture of Jupiter caressing the chin of the Diana nymph. Jupiter's eagle has disappeared, mysteriously giving way to two swans, a possible allusion to the love affair between Jupiter and Leda. The overflowing sensuality of the original figures gives way to a more rigorous interpretation. The two women dressed here are covered in stiffer drapes, although the aesthetic of the curve and counter-curve is retained. The same is true of the Abduction of Europa, which takes as its model the version presented by Boucher at the Salon of 1747 (Paris, Musée du Louvre, Inv. 2714) and its preparatory drawing (idem, RF 40958). Carried away on the waves by Jupiter metamorphosed into a bull, the nymph turns towards the shore in a dynamic movement while clinging firmly to her captor's mane. The animal's human expression and hanging tongue, which give the scene a licentious character, have been preserved. The figures are surmounted by a hunting trophy bordered on either side by garlands of flowers attached to a faux blue frame decorated with fruit and vine branches. It is finished with foliage and stylized feathers in the Rococo style. A vase of flowers adorns the lower part of the storm windows. These rare and interesting tapestries have retained their beautiful bright colours. Expert : Alexandre CHEVALIER Part II: 19 June 2026 - Chapter 4: Furniture & Works of Art from the Haute Epoque to the 19th century
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About the sale COLLECTIONS & CLASSIC WORKS - PART II
Auction location
Auction time 06/19/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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