Neptune and Amymone
1764
François Boucher turns a mythological rescue into a pastel-colored party. Here, the sea god Neptune—dramatic in his red cape—steps in to save the maiden Amymone from some rough-looking figures on the right. True to the Rococo style, there’s no real danger here; everyone looks soft, curvy, and elegant, even the sea monsters frolicking in the waves on the left. Those cherubs floating above with the pink ribbon? They’re basically Cupid’s agents, ensuring this rescue turns into a romance. Boucher was the ultimate decorator of the French court, and this piece shows why: it’s pure visual candy designed to delight the eye.