François Boucher
Born – Paris, France 1703
Died – Paris, France 1770
The son of a Parisian painter and lace designer, François Boucher began his career engraving the pictures of Antoine Watteau. After winning the Prix de Rome of the Academy, Boucher spent four years in Italy where he could indulge his love of Italian Rococo painting, in particular the work of Tiepolo. In 1765, restored to Paris, he obtained the patronage of Louis XV’s mistress Madame de Pompadour and through her influence became the king’s official court painter. In work that unashamedly pandered to the frivolous and hedonistic excesses of the Parisian aristocracy, Boucher’s highly decorative paintings delight in revealing the luxuriousness of the costumes and the elegance of the surroundings. Woman at her Toilet is one of his more intimate portraits, in which the artist’s concern is with capturing the delicate surface details. In his many variations of pastoral and mythological themes, Boucher focuses on the female body. Much in demand in their time, these erotic paintings uncover fleshy and voluptuous women in a variety of provocative poses. Boucher was also highly regarded as a decorator and designed interiors, tapestries, theatrical productions, porcelain and even slippers.
Masterpieces:
- Madame de Pompadour
- Reclining Girl
Text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.
Books About francois boucher
Francois Boucher, 1703-1770
Alastair Laing
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FRANOIS BOUCHER: Seductive Visions (Wallace Collection, London)
Jo Hedley
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Making Up the Rococo: François Boucher and His Critics (Texts and Documents Series)
Melissa Hyde
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