The Rising of the Sun
1753
François Boucher was the ultimate decorator of the French Rococo era, and this canvas acts as a grand, celestial alarm clock. Apollo, the sun god, rises in a swirl of pink drapery and fluffy clouds, ready to drive his chariot across the sky while figures above scatter flowers to welcome the day. Below, river gods and nymphs stir from the dark, churning waters, creating a dreamy transition from night to morning. It’s a perfect example of Rococo style—light, airy, and packed with chubby cherubs, designed purely to delight the eye of his biggest fan, Madame de Pompadour.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
Location: Wallace Collection, London
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