The Afternoon MealFrançois Boucher · 1739

  • Painting mediumOil On Canvas
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementRococo Style
  • Creation date1739
  • Dimensions81.0 x 65.0 cm
  • MuseumThe Louvre

François Boucher (1703 – 1770)

Discover François Boucher (1703-1770), master of Rococo! Explore his sensual paintings – mythological scenes, portraits & idyllic landscapes – defining 18thC French art.

The Louvre (Paris, France)

Explore the Louvre's iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa in Paris. Discover centuries of human creativity on your next adventure.

The painting The Afternoon Meal by François Boucher is a quintessential example of the Rococo style, characterized by its delicate lines, soft colors, and intimate atmosphere. Created in 1739, this oil on canvas piece measures 81 x 65 cm and is housed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France.

A Glimpse into Domestic Life

The painting captures a moment of domestic life, where three women are engaged in a leisurely meal. The scene is filled with elegance and refinement, as the women are dressed in exquisite attire, adorned with intricate patterns and delicate lace. The use of color, light, and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism in the scene, drawing the viewer into the intimate world of the painting. Key Features of the painting include:
  • The central figure, standing behind the seated woman, wearing a red robe over a white dress, holding a teapot
  • The ornate room with a large mirror reflecting part of the scene, and intricate patterns adorning the walls
  • The clock on the wall indicating the time as 12:05, adding a sense of temporal context to the scene

Discovering the Art of François Boucher

For those interested in exploring more of François Boucher's works, The Afternoon Meal is just one example of his mastery. Other notable paintings include Chinese Dance and The Mill. To learn more about the artist and his workshop, visit the Workshop Of François Boucher page on Mus3ums.
The Musée du Louvre is one of the world's most renowned museums, housing an extensive collection of artworks from various periods and styles. To explore more about the museum and its collections, visit the Musée Des Beaux Arts page on Mus3ums.

About this artwork

  • Title: The Afternoon Meal
  • Artist: François Boucher
  • Year: 1739
  • Original dimensions: 81.0 x 65.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: The Louvre
  • Movement: Rococo Style
  • Creative period: Mature Rococo
  • Corpus context: boucher’s signature style, sensuality & refinement

Quick Facts

  • Title: The Afternoon Meal
  • Dimensions: 81 x 65 cm
  • Subject or theme: Domestic life; Mealtime scene
  • Artistic style: Elegant; Intimate atmosphere
  • Notable elements or techniques: Mirror reflection; Delicate brushstrokes
  • Medium: Oil on canvas

Questions & Answers

How popular is "The Afternoon Meal" within Rococo Style?

"The Afternoon Meal" is recorded as iconic among the Rococo Style works in the catalog.

Which artist is "The Afternoon Meal" attributed to?

"The Afternoon Meal" was created by François Boucher. The information on this page describes François Boucher's original work.

What color leads the composition of "The Afternoon Meal" by François Boucher?

phthalo green (#1f1a1b) is the leading color of "The Afternoon Meal" by François Boucher.

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