An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Saint John the Baptistc. 1755
Artist: François Boucher
French, 1703–1770
Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness in a loin cloth reclining on red drapery under a tree by a stream with his hands clasped with the lamb and the cross by his side. in the clouds above are seven infant Angels' heads
64 1/2 x 45 1/2 in. (163.83 x 115.57 cm) (canvas)
76 x 56 1/2 x 4 in. (193.04 x 143.51 x 10.16 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
France
18th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In the hushed corridors of history, where art and devotion dance closely together, we find ourselves drawn into a story woven with reverence and influence. It was in the days of Louis XV, in the vibrant heart of Paris, that the famed painter Françoise Boucher set his brush to canvas. His muse? The enchanting Madame de Pompadour, a woman of immense charm and wit, whose position as mistress to the king granted her a unique power within the ornate walls of the royal court.
Madame de Pompadour was not merely a figure of allure; she was a woman of layers, one who understood the tides of favor that ebbed and flowed in the court’s intricate dynamics. Recognizing the delicate balance between her own desires and the religious fervor that simmered just beneath the surface, she decided to commission a remarkable piece of devotional art. Boucher, with every stroke of his brush, would bring forth a visual tale that would not only be a testament to her faith but also a nod to the devout factions at court, ensuring that she remained in their good graces.
This particular work was destined for a solemn sanctuary—the chapel nestled within the Capuchin Convent in Paris. It was a place of retreat, adorned with quiet alcoves and a sense of sacred stillness, a sanctuary where Madame de Pompadour would seek solace from the whirlwind of court life. Here, amidst the flickering candles and whispers of prayer, she found both peace and a reminder of her patron saint, Saint John.
And so, the canvas came to life, painted for a woman who knew the power of beauty not just in aesthetics, but in its ability to bridge the divide between personal yearning and public expectation. Each brushstroke whispered a prayer, a story, a reflection of Madame de Pompadour's complexities—her devotion woven into the fabric of her being, illuminating the sacred with every glance at Saint John, an emblem of her faith in the world. It was a masterpiece kissed by the confluence of art, spirituality, and the boundless intricacies of human connection.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.