Flora Yukhnovich and Boucher at the Wallace
A contemporary artist's dialogue with 18th-century masterpieces at the Wallace Collection.
History of Hertford House Landing at the Wallace Collection (2024) by Cassandra ParsonsThe Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection invited contemporary British artist Flora Yukhnovich (1990) to respond to two masterpieces by François Boucher (1703–1770), creating an opportunity to reconsider Boucher’s work.
Boucher Exhibition (2024) by Cassandra ParsonsThe Wallace Collection
Boucher’s large-scale paintings from 1749, Pastoral with a Couple near a Fountain and Pastoral with a Bagpipe Player, which usually hang opposite each other at the top of the grand staircase, were exhibited for the first time out of their frames.
History of Hertford House Contemporary Photograph of Pastoral with a Couple near a Fountain (2024) by Cassandra ParsonsThe Wallace Collection
Displayed against white walls like contemporary artworks and at a much lower height, without the usual surrounding furniture, clocks, and porcelain, visitors could examine Boucher’s paintings in far greater detail.
Boucher had been keenly aware of the competition his works faced in the vibrant interiors of 18th-century homes. He clearly considered how his art would complement the Rococo decor that surrounded it.
The Wallace Collection pastorals originally belonged to Charles-Daniel Trudaine, a high-ranking civil servant and governor of the Auvergne, who displayed them in the grand salon of his country house.
History of Hertford House Contemporary Photograph of Folies Bergère on the Landing (2024) by Cassandra ParsonsThe Wallace Collection
The idea of Boucher creating works in dialogue with their surroundings strongly resonated with Yukhnovich.
History of Hertford House Contemporary Photograph of Folies Bergère and World of Pure Imagination on the Landing (2024) by Cassandra ParsonsThe Wallace Collection
While Boucher’s works were exhibited downstairs, Yukhnovich created two new semi-abstract paintings in direct response to his works, which took Boucher’s place on the Wallace Collection landing.
History of Hertford House Contemporary Photograph of World of Pure Imagination on the Landing (2024) by Cassandra ParsonsThe Wallace Collection
Each of Yukhnovich’s paintings matched the original dimensions and were housed in replicas of the gilt frames surrounding Boucher’s works. This marked a new venture for Yukhnovich, whose work had never been framed or displayed within the context of an 18th-century collection.
Step into Flora Yukhnovich's studio (2024) by Wallace CollectionThe Wallace Collection
See Flora Yukhnovich discuss her inspiration and vibrant color palette in this short film. Learn how she created two breathtaking new works for the Wallace Collection display. Or, continue exploring Yukhnovich and Boucher with our in-depth online resource here.
Continue exploring Yukhnovich and Boucher with our in-depth online resource here.
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