One of the most important royal commissions of François Boucher (French, 1703-1770) was for paintings of the Four Elements for Louis XV’s Château de La Muette. Only two were executed: Arion on the Dolphin, representing Water (Princeton University Art Museum) and Vertumnus and Pomona, symbolizing Earth (Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio). Thanks to a technical analysis, new evidence is presented about the history of these works, which are reunited for the first time in over twenty years. The connection with Mme. de Pompadour’s amateur theatrical performances is explored, as well as possible reasons for the abandonment of the commission. Works on paper from the Museum’s collection and on loan from Marquand Library suggest the variety and range of Boucher’s artistic achievements.