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Allegory of Autumn

1753
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 525
By the 1750s, Boucher was associated with a number of signature motifs, perhaps none more so than allegorical putti suspended midair. When given attributes alluding to a season, element, or one of the arts, they provided flexible decorative programs. Frequently Boucher himself participated only minimally in the production of these decorative canvases, allowing his workshop to execute the painting on his behalf. Nonetheless, as here, he sometimes signed such works. Unusual shapes known as chantourné, or cutout, formats allowed these paintings to function apiece with the Rococo carving of the surrounding panels.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Allegory of Autumn
  • Artist: François Boucher (French, Paris 1703–1770 Paris) and Workshop
  • Date: 1753
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: Irregular, 44 3/4 x 63 3/4 in. (113.7 x 161.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman Gift, 1969
  • Object Number: 69.155.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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Allegory of Lyric Poetry, François Boucher and Workshop French, Oil on canvas
Allegory of Lyric Poetry
François Boucher
1753
Young Girl with a Boy and a Dog, François Boucher French, Red chalk.
Young Girl with a Boy and a Dog
François Boucher
18th century
Drawing for "La Colonne Trajane", François Boucher French, Red chalk
Drawing for "La Colonne Trajane"
François Boucher
18th century
Drawing for "La Colonne Trajane", François Boucher French, Red chalk
Drawing for "La Colonne Trajane"
François Boucher
18th century
Collection of Fountains (Receuil de Fontaines)
François Boucher
Chez Huquier
before 1736

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