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This is a drawing of figures in a cloudscape with divine light. The image is detailed with figures reclining and interacting within clouds, illuminated by a central burst of light. It is enclosed within an octagonal frame, enhancing the ethereal quality. The shading and line work create depth and motion, with a style reminiscent of Baroque art.
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This is a drawing of figures in a cloudscape with divine light. The image is detailed with figures reclining and interacting within clouds, illuminated by a central burst of light. It is enclosed within an octagonal frame, enhancing the ethereal quality. The shading and line work create depth and motion, with a style reminiscent of Baroque art.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Aurora Heralding the Arrival of the Morning Sun

François Boucher

Date
c. 1765
Medium
brown and black chalk with stumping, heightened with white chalk on buff laid paper
Dimensions
overall (octagonal): 46 x 40.2 cm (18 1/8 x 15 13/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2006.168.1
Credit line
Gift of Dian Woodner
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • mythology
  • Rococo
Provenance

(De Bayser S.A., Paris); purchased 2006 by NGA.

NGA object ID 137045. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.