This graceful drawing by François-Édouard Picot (1786–1868) depicts a mythological scene featuring Venus, the goddess of love, accompanied by Cupid, her playful winged son.
Rendered with delicate precision, the work captures Venus standing in a relaxed yet elegant pose, draped in flowing fabric. She holds a quiver of arrows in her left hand, a nod to Cupid’s symbolic role as the bringer of love’s piercing effects. Cupid clings to her with childlike affection, grasping her drapery as he gazes up at her, reinforcing their intimate, divine connection.
The faint red sash around Venus's waist, added as a subtle touch of color, emphasizes her femininity and grace, while the composition reflects Picot’s mastery of allegorical and mythological themes. The figures are drawn with exceptional attention to proportion and anatomy, showcasing the artist’s classical training and skill in capturing both human and divine beauty.
François-Édouard Picot, a prominent French painter, was celebrated for his historical, allegorical, and mythological works.
Trained under Jacques-Louis David, a giant of the Neoclassical movement, and François-André Vincent, Picot gained widespread acclaim during the 19th century. His most notable achievements include “L'Amour et Psyché” (Cupid and Psyche, exhibited at the Salon of 1819), which earned him a second-class medal, and “The Crowning of the Virgin”, a monumental fresco in the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette in Paris.
A member of the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts, Picot was also an influential teacher, mentoring renowned artists such as Alexandre Cabanel and William Bouguereau.
This drawing, likely a preparatory study for a larger painting or decorative project, exemplifies Picot’s ability to blend Neoclassical ideals with Romantic sensitivity, creating works that are both refined and emotionally resonant.
Framed in a simple gilded frame with a green mat, the artwork is a testament to Picot’s enduring legacy as one of 19th-century France’s most accomplished artists. A remarkable addition to any collection of mythological or Neoclassical art, it celebrates the timeless allure of classical themes and exquisite draftsmanship.
Condition and wear consistent with age and use.
Approx. overall 10¾" high x 6¾" wide x 0¾" deep incl. frame
Approx. overall 27cm high x 17cm wide x 2cm deep incl. frame
