Death of Meleager

The Death of Meleager — the Greek hero who perished when his mother burned the magical brand on which his life depended — was an early subject for Boucher, painted in 1727 during his formative years. The dramatic, death-centered theme contrasts sharply with the lighthearted subjects of Boucher's maturity, revealing the young painter's engagement with the grand manner history painting promoted by the French Academy. The composition reflects the influence of Charles Le Brun and the academic tradition Boucher would later subvert.

Darker, more dramatic palette and muscular figure drawing reflect Boucher's academic training before his Italian journey softened his style. The heroic male nude at center demonstrates his command of anatomy and classical gesture in the manner taught at the Académie Royale.