The Setting of the Sun Francois Boucher (1703-1770)

Here we observe a complex allegorical composition dominated by a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The scene unfolds within a turbulent, dark expanse that suggests both water and sky, blurring the boundaries between terrestrial and celestial realms. A central figure, presumably male, stands prominently on what appears to be a fantastical chariot drawn by a lion-like creature. He is draped in flowing pink fabric, his posture suggesting an authoritative gesture directed upwards towards a group of figures enveloped within swirling clouds.
Above this central grouping, a cluster of cherubic beings floats amidst the cloudy atmosphere. Their expressions are serene and their poses graceful, creating a sense of ethereal detachment from the drama unfolding below. The light source seems to emanate primarily from behind these celestial figures, casting them in a luminous glow that contrasts sharply with the shadowed foreground.
The lower portion of the painting is populated by numerous nude or partially draped female figures immersed within the turbulent waters. Their poses range from languid repose to expressions of wonder and awe, as if witnessing the spectacle above. Several infants are scattered amongst these women, adding an element of vulnerability and innocence to the scene. A bearded male figure, positioned near the lower left corner, appears to be struggling or being pulled into the water, his face contorted in a grimace of distress.
The color palette is rich and warm, with pinks, golds, and creams dominating the upper registers, while darker greens and browns define the turbulent waters below. The artist employed loose brushwork, particularly evident in the rendering of the clouds and water, contributing to a sense of movement and dynamism throughout the composition.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of power, transition, and perhaps even mortality. The central figure’s gesture could be interpreted as an act of bestowal or judgment, while the turbulent waters might symbolize chaos or the passage of time. The presence of infants suggests a cycle of renewal, contrasting with the apparent struggle of the bearded man. Overall, the work conveys a sense of grandeur and mystery, inviting contemplation on the interplay between human agency and forces beyond comprehension.