Springtime by Pierre Auguste Cot

Springtime (1873) This romantic masterpiece depicts a young couple swinging playfully on a branch, embodying the joyful innocence of first love. Cot's technical virtuosity is evident in the delicate rendering of diaphanous fabrics, luminous skin tones, and the verdant foliage surrounding the figures. The painting's idealized neoclassical style and sentimental theme made it immensely popular with Gilded Age audiences. The couple's classical dress and Arcadian setting remove them from any specific time period, creating a timeless vision of youthful romance. Commissioned by art patron John Wolfe, the painting achieved immediate success when exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1873.

Medium: Oil on canvas • Movement: Academic Classicism • Size: 83.8" x 59" (213cm x 149.9cm) • Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Pierre Auguste Cot (1837-1883) was a French academic painter whose work epitomized the refined classicism of the late 19th century. A student of renowned artists Léon Cogniet, Alexandre Cabanel, and William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Cot gained recognition for his technically impeccable mythological and allegorical scenes. Though he produced numerous portraits and religious paintings, his fame rests primarily on two works: "Springtime" (1873) and "The Storm" (1880). Both paintings exemplify his ability to combine classical themes with emotional resonance and sensual appeal. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries, Cot's works were highly regarded during his lifetime and continue to be celebrated for their exquisite technique and romantic sensibility.

Panel Print
These beautifully detailed panel prints feature a durable matte surface which minimizes reflections. They are printed directly onto a smooth bright white 1/4" panel with a dark gray edge, and then mounted to a hidden frame. This frame makes the print appear to float off the wall providing a clean modern look. They are easy to hang.