Boucher, François and Maurice Jacques. Aurora and Cephalus, 1775-76. Wool and silk tapestry, Hofburg Palace, Austria.
Boucher worked with Maurice Jacques on several tapestries. The two co-created this piece, which is part of a set including which also includes Jupiter and Callisto, Vertumnus and Pomona,
Cupid and Psyche and Venus Rising from the Waves. The set was given as a gift to Marie Antoinette's older brother Joseph II from her husband, Louis XVI in 1777. In this image, they can be seen in the Alexander Room at Hofburg Palace.
The two artist had worked together on art before. In this piece, Boucher is resopnsible for the scene of Aurora and Cephalus. Aurora, who is in love with Cephalus can only stare at his mortal body from her cloud. Unlike her, he is earthbound.
Outside of the scene, are decorative elements such as an elaborate frame, damask background, floral garlands draped about, candle stick holders and a vase. Jacques is responsible for the decorative elements which are suppose to give the illusion of a decorative wall. Once the tapestry is hung, it really brings something to the room, art, beauty and illusion!
To get an idea of color, click
here for an image of the
Cupid and Psyche tapestry.
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