Two Lovers Seated at the Foot of a Large Tree, Surprised by Two Girls

Gilles Demarteau, the Elder after François Boucher

Associated Names
Gilles Demarteau the Elder

Artist, French, 1722 - 1776

François Boucher

Artist After, French, 1703 - 1770

The image shows a couple in an outdoor setting. The full bodies of the individuals are not visible; they are seated and partially obscured by their flowing clothing. The man is positioned alongside and slightly behind the woman, leaning toward her with his head turned to her. The woman is leaning slightly back, her head turned to the side as she looks towards the man. Both have finely detailed facial features. The man has a distinct hairstyle and the woman’s hair is adorned with floral details.

They are dressed in elaborate clothing, with the man wearing layered garments and the woman in a full-length dress with intricate draping. Around them are signs of nature, including lush trees, leaves, and other vegetation. In the background, two additional figures are partially visible, their heads peeking through the foliage, and a dog is seen nearby. The overall composition is framed by detailed borders with text and emblematic imagery. The setting appears pastoral and idyllic.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    crayon manner printed in red-brown

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Regina Slatkin

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 45.8 x 31 cm (18 1/16 x 12 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.91.3

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Leymarie 1896, no. 62


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mrs. Charles E. Slatkin [1909-1999]; gift 1984 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1896

  • Leymarie, L. de. L'Oeuvre de Gilles Demarteau l'aine graveur du roi, catalogue descriptif. Paris: Georges Rapilly, 1896: no. 62.

1978

  • Jean-Richard 1978, 633 ("Les amants surpris").

Inscriptions

lower left in plate of image: Boucher in.del.; lower right in plate below image: Demarteau l'Aine Sculp.; across bottom in plate dedication, coat of arms, address of Demarteau

Watermarks

Dovecote

Wikidata ID

Q74066283

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