The Raised Skirt Francois Boucher (1703-1770)

The painting, titled The Raised Skirt, depicts a woman in an intimate setting, seemingly preparing to undress or adjust her clothing. She is wearing a voluminous pink dress, the skirt of which is dramatically lifted to reveal her bare legs and buttocks. Her stockings are pulled up high, and a garter is visible on one leg.
The scene is set indoors, with rich, dark drapery and ornate furniture suggesting a boudoir or a private chamber. To the right, a plush golden chair is partially visible, draped with fabric. To the left, a table holds discarded clothing and a bouquet of flowers, with some loose petals and a bottle on the floor. Behind the woman, a window offers a glimpse of a dark, possibly nighttime, exterior with a vase filled with flowers.
The subtexts of this painting are strongly suggestive of sensuality and implicit eroticism. The title itself, The Raised Skirt, directly points to the provocative act depicted. The womans pose, bending over with her skirt lifted, is designed to draw the viewers attention to her exposed body. The details like the garters, the delicate slippers, and the disheveled flowers on the floor contribute to an atmosphere of private indulgence and perhaps even hasty or passionate activity. The composition, with its rich textures and dramatic lighting, enhances the sensual mood, emphasizing the luxuriousness of the setting and the intimacy of the moment. The painting can be interpreted as an exploration of female sensuality and the alluring power of revealing and concealing.