French school (XVIII) - Venus en Adonis - NO RESERVE

Artist: French School (18th century)
Title: Venus and Adonis
Medium: pastel
Signature: monogrammed left-center
Presentation: behind glass in an antique wooden frame, total size approx. 32.5 × 39 cm
Condition: light foxing visible under UV; traces of age appropriate to technique and age

Introduction

This refined 18th-century pastel painting depicts the beloved mythological theme of Venus and Adonis. The intimate scene, executed with soft, blunt transitions and a galant color palette, closely reflects the French taste of the late Rococo and early Neoclassical periods, when pastoral and mythological pastels were particularly popular.

Description of the work

In the foreground, Venus sits in relaxed, light contrast, her cloak draped around her in bright ultramarine and gray tones. Her blouse slips off the shoulder, revealing her marble flesh, an echo of classical Venus iconography. From the right, Adonis approaches, draped in warm ochre-brown drapery; with a cautious hand movement, he seeks her gaze. The figures are set against a shadowy forest and a pale evening sky, emphasizing the interplay of proximity and restraint. The dialogue of poses—Venus's retreating arm and Adonis's cautious approach—suggests the moment before his departure for the hunt.

Technique and color palette

The artist makes convincing use of the pastel technique: dry pigments are applied in layers and softened with estompe, creating velvety skin tones and a matte sheen. The blue drapery is built up in cool, glazed layers, contrasting with the warm, earthy ochres of Adonis's cloak. Pink, blossoming hues sculpt the faces, while soft grays and browns bind the shadows. The contours are deliberately muted, allowing the figures to appear to rise from the atmosphere—an effect often sought in pastel, and particularly successful here.

Style and art historical context

In 18th-century France, pastel reached its peak, not only in portraiture but also in gallant and mythological subjects. The softness of the brushstrokes, the caressing lighting, and the elegant choreography of the draperies place this work in the tradition of the French rococo and its transition to a more classical idiom. Within this context, the sensitive approach and refined sensuality are reminiscent of national examples such as François Boucher, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Pierre-Paul Prud’hon. International relatives include Rosalba Carriera (Venice) and Angelica Kauffman (Cosmopolitan/Swiss origins), whose mythological depictions and pastel focus display comparable elegance and sensitivity.

Condition

The work is in neat, decorative condition, consistent with its age. Light foxing is visible under UV light; otherwise, there are the usual signs of age associated with pastel. The image is protected behind antique glass and set in an antique wooden frame that emphasizes its 18th-century character. The total dimensions are 32.5 × 39 cm.

Conclusion

An attractive 18th-century French pastel painting depicting the classical subject of Venus and Adonis, executed with delicate tonal transitions and a characteristic rococo palette. The combination of subject, technique, and period makes this work particularly suitable for collectors who appreciate French 18th-century elegance, and offers a refined accent within a collection with mythological or galant themes. No Reserve.

The work "Venus and Adonis" is in an antique wooden frame behind antique glass

Total dimensions: 32.5x39cm
Canvas dimensions: 24.5x31cm

All shipments in professional packaging lost via DPD or FedEx.

For all shipments, a surcharge for packaging material applies, which is already included in the stated shipping price.

The customer is responsible for any import duties and additional costs that may apply upon delivery abroad.

We aim to deliver your artwork to you safely and in optimal condition, paying careful attention to packaging and the shipping process. If you have any questions or special requests, you can always contact Catawiki customer service.