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THE MAGAZINE DECIPHERING
130 GAZETTE DROUOT INTERNATIONAL I N° 8
Staging of
the passion
The wide-eyed, open-mouthed, finger-pointing servant lifts the
curtain to peek through the door's windowpanes. She serves as a
counterpoint to the main scene, while the slight chiaroscuro creates a
theatrical effect and gives the painting depth. Since Molière we have
been accustomed to the nosy servant, the alter ego of choice in
amorous intrigues. Some of Boilly's works show that he was not
insensitive to farcical situations.
In all his pictures Boilly painstakingly paints the texture of fabrics, vaporous veils and especially precious satins, whose shimmer captures light so well,
allowing it to show his figures to their best advantage. Boilly even studied optics and invented instruments to give his pictures lighting effects.
The complicated folds giving the clothes a material presence contribute to the precious rendering of a virtuoso touch.