Crossing the Ford
Oil On Canvas
WallArt
Rococo Style
1730
Early Modern
59.0 x 72.0 cm
Hermitage Museum
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print
Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
After order, OriginalUniqueArt.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (27 October). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Crossing the Ford
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 300
A River Crossing in Soft Light
The water moves with a quiet weight under the horses' hooves. In this 1730 scene, three horses navigate the shallow ford, their forms sculpted by a delicate interplay of light and shadow. A man in blue clothing guides his mount through the cool, pale greens and blues of the riverbed. Nearby, other figures move through the landscape, one carrying a bowl as they traverse the stream. The air feels heavy with the stillness of a summer afternoon in France.
Boucher uses chiaroscuro to define the musculature of the animals and the folds of the riders' garments. Warm ochre and crimson accents break the dominance of the cool tones, pulling the eye toward the center of the movement. The brushstrokes remain fine, capturing the texture of foliage and the subtle ripples in the water.
Classical Echoes and Rococo Grace
The landscape is framed by stylized garlands of leaves, a decorative touch that anchors the work in the Rococo tradition. Two statues stand sentinel near the riverbank, their stone surfaces catching the diffused light. These figures bring a sense of classical permanence to an otherwise fleeting moment of transit. The ford itself acts as a point of passage, a physical threshold between two banks.
There is a deliberate poise in the posture of every horse and person. This grace reflects the aesthetic values of the Louis XV era, where movement was rendered with effortless fluidity. The scene suggests a world of pastoral peace, far from the noise of the city. A single ripple settles on the surface.
Questions & Answers
Who created "Crossing the Ford" and in what year?
The author of "Crossing the Ford" is François Boucher, and the work is dated 1730.
What technique was used for "Crossing the Ford", and when was it created?
The medium of "Crossing the Ford" by François Boucher is oil on canvas, and the work is dated 1730.
What does "Crossing the Ford" by François Boucher depict, and in what mood?
"Crossing the Ford" shows horse crossing, roman statues, mythological scene, landscape painting, decorative art, french baroque, classical imagery, and its recorded mood is elegant.
Artist Biography
François Boucher: A Life in Rococo
François Boucher (1703-1770) was a pivotal figure in 18th-century French art, renowned as one of the most celebrated painters of the Rococo era. His work embodies the elegance, sensuality, and playful spirit that defined this influential style.
Early Life and Training
Born on September 29, 1703, in Paris, France, François Boucher’s artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, Jean Boucher, a painter himself. At the age of seventeen, he caught the eye of François Lemoyne, leading to a brief but impactful apprenticeship. He further honed his skills with engraver Jean-François Cars before achieving a significant milestone: winning the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome in 1720.
Rise to Prominence and Artistic Development
Boucher’s time in Italy, following his win at the Grand Prix, proved formative. Upon returning to France, he was admitted to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1731. His *morceau de réception*, “Rinaldo and Armida” (1734), immediately established him as a master of the Rococo style. This period saw his artistic voice fully emerge, characterized by delicate brushwork, pastel palettes, and an emphasis on mythological and pastoral themes.
Key Works and Themes
Boucher’s oeuvre is remarkably diverse, encompassing mythology, portraiture, genre scenes, and decorative arts. Some of his most celebrated works include:
- “The Breakfast” (1739): A charming depiction of domestic life featuring his wife and children.
- “The Triumph of Venus” (1740-1751): A series of paintings showcasing Boucher’s mastery of mythological narratives.
- Numerous portraits of Madame de Pompadour, the influential mistress of King Louis XV, solidifying his position at court.
- Landscape paintings like “The Setting of the Sun”, demonstrating a lyrical and idyllic vision of nature.
Recurring themes in Boucher’s work include love, beauty, leisure, and the idealized world of mythology. His paintings often evoke a sense of playful eroticism and refined elegance.
Influence and Legacy
Boucher's influence extended far beyond painting. He designed costumes and sets for the theater, created tapestries for the Beauvais workshops, and collaborated with the Gobelins Manufactory. His appointment as *Premier Peintre du Roi* in 1765 cemented his status as the leading artist of the French Rococo.
While later critics questioned the perceived superficiality of Rococo art, Boucher’s impact on subsequent generations is undeniable. He influenced artists such as Jean-Honoré Fragonard and contributed significantly to the development of Neoclassicism through his students.
Historical Significance
François Boucher's work provides a valuable window into the tastes and values of 18th-century French society. His paintings reflect the aristocratic culture of the era, characterized by luxury, refinement, and a pursuit of pleasure. He remains a significant figure in art history, celebrated for his technical skill, artistic innovation, and enduring contribution to the Rococo style.
François Boucher
1703 - 1770 , France
Quick Facts
- Name: François Boucher
- Movement: Rococo
- Birth Date: September 29, 1703
- Death Date: 1770
- Birth Place: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Date Of Birth: 1703
- Date Of Death: 1770
- Influenced By: François Lemoyne, Jean-François Cars
- Notable Works:
- Rinaldo and Armida
- The Breakfast
- Madame Boucher
- The Setting of the Sun
- Vulcan Presenting Venus with Arms for Aeneas
- Place Of Birth: Paris, France

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
