After the Nobles of 18th-Century France Made Love
The dress Juliette et Justine calls the Ailes du Amour Robe is adorned entirely with a print of the Rococo-era painting Lovers in a Garden from 18th-century France. Though it may appear like a stage backdrop, in the shade of a beautiful garden, we see a pair of lovers reminiscent of aristocrats, their clothing slightly disheveled. This suggests they have just shared an intimate moment. Above their heads, two infant statues seem to hint at an impending pregnancy.
The man is seen tucking a flower into his lover's hair, as if to neaten it. At their feet is a spaniel, a dog said to symbolize fidelity. And yet... his gaze drifts past his lover toward a flower girl—much younger and of lower status—passing nearby. Even after such tender intimacy, it seems the urge to pluck a new, young flower is irresistible.
Left: Lovers in a Garden, François Boucher, 1758, Timken Museum of Art
Top Right: Infant statues from the top of Lovers in a Garden
Bottom Right: Spaniel from the bottom right of Lovers in a Garden
What Life Needs: Esprit & Coquetterie
Charming yet indecorous, Lovers in a Garden is a Rococo artwork that originated in 18th-century France and was later defined as such by German scholars. This style of art emerged to enrich the lives of the aristocracy centered around Versailles during the reign of Louis XV. Rococo art was primarily interior decoration that embodied the values of the time—lightness, esprit (wit), and coquetterie (allure)—seen as essential to a fulfilling life. It was art born of affluence, peace, and satisfaction. This Rococo period would come to a complete end with the birth of Louis XVI and the French Revolution—a final flourish of aristocratic opulence before the collapse of their bubble.
Marie-Louise O'Murphy, François Boucher, 1752, Alte Pinakothek —The model was one of Louis XV’s mistresses. Known as the "Beloved King," he had a special area in his palace called the "Deer Park" where he housed many lovers.
Louis XV, Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1730, Palace of Versailles —Louis XV later became the father-in-law of Marie Antoinette.
Boucher’s Muse: Venus, the Eternal Ideal of Rococo
The painting Lovers in a Garden was created by François Boucher, the quintessential painter of the French Rococo court. While he painted many such delightful scenes for the aristocracy, he had a particular fondness for depictions of Venus, the Roman goddess. He created numerous Venus-themed works, including the very last painting he completed before his death. She must have been his eternal muse.
Left: Portrait of François Boucher, Gustaf Lundberg, 1741, Louvre Museum —In addition to court paintings, Boucher was involved in designing Gobelins tapestries, Sèvres porcelain, and stage sets.
Center: Madame de Pompadour, François Boucher, 1756, Alte Pinakothek —As Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour commissioned many works from Boucher, fostering Rococo art beyond its erotic elements and earning her place as a key patroness.
Right: The Toilet of Venus, François Boucher, 1751, The Metropolitan Museum of Art —Commissioned by Madame de Pompadour
Juliette et Justine’s Ailes du Amour Robe adds a delightful twist to the story by scattering Cupids—Venus’s son—across the fabric. With arrows in hand, they seem ready to strike hearts anew. Wear this dress, and you may find yourself swept into a fresh romance. The lavish floral and pearl prints are sure to lift your spirits. Why not enjoy a stroll in it, imagining yourself a noble of the court?
Dress: Ailes du Amour Robe (JSK)
Written by: Mariko Suzuki
Author of Gothic & Lolita Language Dictionary—available now!
References
An Introduction to Western Art History from Zero Knowledge, Goro Yamada, Gentosha
The World of Rococo: 18th-Century France, Max von Boehn, translated by Nobuo Iizuka, Sanshusha
https://www.metmuseum.org/ja/art/collection/search/435739
https://www.y-history.net/appendix/wh1003-063_1.html