Encyclopedia, Difference between revisions of "Francois Boucher" - New World
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:''For other uses, see [[Boucher (disambiguation)]]'' | :''For other uses, see [[Boucher (disambiguation)]]'' | ||
| − | '''François Boucher''' (September 29 1703 – May 30 1770) had an unparalleled career as a [[France|French]] [[painter]]. His versatility in the popular style of [[Rococo]], led to great works that were consistently classical in subject and skill. His work is a true reflection of eighteenth century France at its pinnacle. His prolific output included over 1,000 paintings and 10,000 drawings. | + | '''François Boucher''' (September 29 1703 – May 30 1770) had an unparalleled career as a [[France|French]] [[painter]]. His versatility in the popular style of [[Rococo]], led to great works that were consistently classical in subject and skill. His work is a true reflection of eighteenth century France at its pinnacle. He is especially reknowned for his sensuous portrayal of the human body. His prolific output included over 1,000 paintings and 10,000 drawings. |
One of the great painters and draftsmen of the 18th century, he mastered every branch of decorative and illustrative painting. His subject matter ran the gamut of [[History|historical]], [[religion|religious]], [[Mythology|mythological]], [[Portraiture|portraiture]], [[Landscape art|landscape]], [[Still Life|still life]], and ordinary life events. | One of the great painters and draftsmen of the 18th century, he mastered every branch of decorative and illustrative painting. His subject matter ran the gamut of [[History|historical]], [[religion|religious]], [[Mythology|mythological]], [[Portraiture|portraiture]], [[Landscape art|landscape]], [[Still Life|still life]], and ordinary life events. | ||
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François Boucher was born in [[Paris]] to a family of little means. His father, [[Nicholas Boucher]], was a painter specializing in [[embroidery]] designs. These humble beginnings did not allow Boucher to receive any formal education as a young man. Instead, he received what knowledge he had from working under his father, helping with the family business. | François Boucher was born in [[Paris]] to a family of little means. His father, [[Nicholas Boucher]], was a painter specializing in [[embroidery]] designs. These humble beginnings did not allow Boucher to receive any formal education as a young man. Instead, he received what knowledge he had from working under his father, helping with the family business. | ||
| − | When Boucher turned 17, he became an apprentice to [[François le Moyne|François Lemoyne]] as a designer of embroidery patterns for three months. After that time the money ran out and Boucher went to work for [[Jean-François Cars]], an [[Engraving|engraver]]. It was under Cars that Boucher began to distinguish himself as a serious artist. He won the elite Grand [[Prix de Rome]]. The Prix de Rome was a [[scholarship]] for art students at the time. The various artists were required to prove their talents by completing a rigorous elimination process. The grand prize winner would receive a stay at the [[Mancini Palace]] in [[Rome]], all expenses paid by the King of France. The contest was organized by the [[Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture]]. Although Boucher was announced the winner of the prize, he declined going to [[Italy]] to | + | When Boucher turned 17, he became an apprentice to [[François le Moyne|François Lemoyne]] as a designer of embroidery patterns for three months. After that time the money ran out and Boucher went to work for [[Jean-François Cars]], an [[Engraving|engraver]]. It was under Cars that Boucher began to distinguish himself as a serious artist. He won the elite Grand [[Prix de Rome]]. The Prix de Rome was a [[scholarship]] for art students at the time. The various artists were required to prove their talents by completing a rigorous elimination process. The grand prize winner would receive a stay at the [[Mancini Palace]] in [[Rome]], all expenses paid by the King of France. The contest was organized by the [[Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture]]. Although Boucher was announced the winner of the prize, he declined going to [[Italy]] in order to work with [[Jean de Jullienne]] (1686–1766) making [[etching]]s after drawings by [[Antoine Watteau]] (1684–1721). These activities eventually financed his trip to Italy. |
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Boucher left for Italy in 1728 and stayed for four years. His previous training as an engraver, and the skills he acquired as a draftsman under Jean Francois Cars proved to be a solid foundation for his studies in Italy. He learned the technique of the master artists, while also studying [[history]], [[mythology]], and the [[classics]]. Boucher returned to Paris in 1731 and entered the [[Académie de peinture et de sculpture|Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture]] as a historical painter. Boucher increasingly turned his attention to large-scale mythological painting and soon found official recognition in the form of royal commissions. In just three short years, Boucher left the role of student and became one of the members of the prestigious faculty. | Boucher left for Italy in 1728 and stayed for four years. His previous training as an engraver, and the skills he acquired as a draftsman under Jean Francois Cars proved to be a solid foundation for his studies in Italy. He learned the technique of the master artists, while also studying [[history]], [[mythology]], and the [[classics]]. Boucher returned to Paris in 1731 and entered the [[Académie de peinture et de sculpture|Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture]] as a historical painter. Boucher increasingly turned his attention to large-scale mythological painting and soon found official recognition in the form of royal commissions. In just three short years, Boucher left the role of student and became one of the members of the prestigious faculty. | ||
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By far, Boucher's biggest fan was that of [[Marquise de Pompadour|Madame de Pompadour]] (mistress of King [[Louis XV of France|Louis XV]]). She adored his drawings, paintings, and especially the portraits he created of her. During the course of their acquaintance Boucher painted numerous portraits of Madame Pompadour. | By far, Boucher's biggest fan was that of [[Marquise de Pompadour|Madame de Pompadour]] (mistress of King [[Louis XV of France|Louis XV]]). She adored his drawings, paintings, and especially the portraits he created of her. During the course of their acquaintance Boucher painted numerous portraits of Madame Pompadour. | ||
| − | Much of his early work is celebration of the tranquil and idyllic life of the countryside, showing innocent rural landscapes and simplistic situations. One such intimate family scene is depicted in ''The Breakfast'' (1739). Here a simple family is shown, and Boucher often used his wife and children as his models. Boucher held that two of his biggest inspirations were the artists [[Antoine Watteau|Watteau]] and [[Peter Paul Rubens|Rubens]]. | + | Much of his early work is celebration of the tranquil and idyllic life of the countryside, showing innocent rural landscapes and simplistic situations. One such intimate family scene is depicted in ''The Breakfast'' (1739). Here a simple family is shown, and Boucher often used his wife and children as his models. Boucher held that two of his biggest inspirations were the artists [[Antoine Watteau|Watteau]] and [[Peter Paul Rubens|Rubens]]. |
| − | + | ||
Boucher's artistic talents were many. In addition to his paintings, Boucher participated in designing costumes and sets for several Parisian theaters. He loved designing the [[comic]] [[opera]]s of [[Charles Simon Favart|Favart]] (1710-1792), and the sets were easily recognizable as his. His whimsical, signature style was clear in all he did. Boucher also tried his hand in designing [[tapestry|tapestries]]. He created pieces for the royal palaces of [[Palace of Versailles|Versailles]], [[Château de Fontainebleau|Fontainebleau]] and [[Choisy-le-Roi|Choisy]]. His designs were successful and sought after. Many of his paintings were made into engravings and reproduced on canvases, [[porcelain]] and [[biscuit-ware]] at the [[Vincennes porcelain|Vincennes]] and [[Manufacture nationale de Sèvres|Sèvres]] factories. | Boucher's artistic talents were many. In addition to his paintings, Boucher participated in designing costumes and sets for several Parisian theaters. He loved designing the [[comic]] [[opera]]s of [[Charles Simon Favart|Favart]] (1710-1792), and the sets were easily recognizable as his. His whimsical, signature style was clear in all he did. Boucher also tried his hand in designing [[tapestry|tapestries]]. He created pieces for the royal palaces of [[Palace of Versailles|Versailles]], [[Château de Fontainebleau|Fontainebleau]] and [[Choisy-le-Roi|Choisy]]. His designs were successful and sought after. Many of his paintings were made into engravings and reproduced on canvases, [[porcelain]] and [[biscuit-ware]] at the [[Vincennes porcelain|Vincennes]] and [[Manufacture nationale de Sèvres|Sèvres]] factories. | ||
==Critics== | ==Critics== | ||
| − | + | Boucher's reputation came under attack again and again from 18th-century French [[philosophy|philosopher]] and father of modern art criticism [[Denis Diderot|Diderot]], labeling his work as over-ornate, and empty. | |
| + | |||
| + | Previously French artists had been prohibited from showing female nudes under an edict from [[King Louis XIV]]. Only males were allowed to model nude in front of male artists. Boucher used prostitutes to model for him, which also earned Diderot's rebuke. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Many of his works are depictions of mythological paradises in which pretty, full-figured, and sometimes nude goddesses are portrayed in lush backgrounds. Turning away from the solemn [[Christian]] subjects that dominated the preceding [[Baroque]] era, Boucher's art was criticized for stimulating the viewer to thoughts of pleasure and delight. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Boucher's work earned the criticism of many once the [[French Revolution]] erupted. During the war people scorned the pretty and idealistic portrayals of life that Boucher painted. | ||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
| − | + | On May 30, 1770, Francois Boucher died in [[Paris]]. His lifelong devotion to painting in the French Rococo style gained him the fame of being the top artist in that genre. | |
==Works include== | ==Works include== | ||
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* Russell, John. 1986. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE3DE143BF935A25751C0A960948260 ''Homage to a Painter Who Celebrated Privilege''] ''New York Times.'' Retrieved July 27, 2007. | * Russell, John. 1986. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE3DE143BF935A25751C0A960948260 ''Homage to a Painter Who Celebrated Privilege''] ''New York Times.'' Retrieved July 27, 2007. | ||
* Meacham, Steve. 2005. [http://www.smh.com.au/news/Arts/Forgotten-master-of-Western-art/2005/03/10/1110417619852.html Forgotten Master of Western Art] ''Smh.com.'' Retrieved July 28, 2007. | * Meacham, Steve. 2005. [http://www.smh.com.au/news/Arts/Forgotten-master-of-Western-art/2005/03/10/1110417619852.html Forgotten Master of Western Art] ''Smh.com.'' Retrieved July 28, 2007. | ||
| + | * Russo, Elena. 2007. [http://www.h-france.net/vol7reviews/russo.html Book Review] ''H-France.net.'' Retrieved July 28, 2007. | ||
Revision as of 03:55, 28 July 2007
- For other uses, see Boucher (disambiguation)
François Boucher (September 29 1703 – May 30 1770) had an unparalleled career as a French painter. His versatility in the popular style of Rococo, led to great works that were consistently classical in subject and skill. His work is a true reflection of eighteenth century France at its pinnacle. He is especially reknowned for his sensuous portrayal of the human body. His prolific output included over 1,000 paintings and 10,000 drawings.
One of the great painters and draftsmen of the 18th century, he mastered every branch of decorative and illustrative painting. His subject matter ran the gamut of historical, religious, mythological, portraiture, landscape, still life, and ordinary life events.
Boucher raised the level of the preliminary drawing for the studio painting to a bona fide and finished art in its own right. His chosen instrument for drawing ranged from pencil, to charcoal, to pen and ink, to pastel, to watercolor wash, and to various chalks of different colors.
Early Life and Education
_painted_by_Francois_Boucher_(1703%E2%80%931770).jpg)
François Boucher was born in Paris to a family of little means. His father, Nicholas Boucher, was a painter specializing in embroidery designs. These humble beginnings did not allow Boucher to receive any formal education as a young man. Instead, he received what knowledge he had from working under his father, helping with the family business.
When Boucher turned 17, he became an apprentice to François Lemoyne as a designer of embroidery patterns for three months. After that time the money ran out and Boucher went to work for Jean-François Cars, an engraver. It was under Cars that Boucher began to distinguish himself as a serious artist. He won the elite Grand Prix de Rome. The Prix de Rome was a scholarship for art students at the time. The various artists were required to prove their talents by completing a rigorous elimination process. The grand prize winner would receive a stay at the Mancini Palace in Rome, all expenses paid by the King of France. The contest was organized by the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Although Boucher was announced the winner of the prize, he declined going to Italy in order to work with Jean de Jullienne (1686–1766) making etchings after drawings by Antoine Watteau (1684–1721). These activities eventually financed his trip to Italy.
Boucher left for Italy in 1728 and stayed for four years. His previous training as an engraver, and the skills he acquired as a draftsman under Jean Francois Cars proved to be a solid foundation for his studies in Italy. He learned the technique of the master artists, while also studying history, mythology, and the classics. Boucher returned to Paris in 1731 and entered the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture as a historical painter. Boucher increasingly turned his attention to large-scale mythological painting and soon found official recognition in the form of royal commissions. In just three short years, Boucher left the role of student and became one of the members of the prestigious faculty.
Artistic Career
In 1755 he was appointed head of the royal tapestry manufactory at Gobelins. Boucher reached the pinnacle of success in 1765 when he was appointed to the two highest positions in the French arts establishment: first painter to the king and director of the Royal Academy.
By far, Boucher's biggest fan was that of Madame de Pompadour (mistress of King Louis XV). She adored his drawings, paintings, and especially the portraits he created of her. During the course of their acquaintance Boucher painted numerous portraits of Madame Pompadour.
Much of his early work is celebration of the tranquil and idyllic life of the countryside, showing innocent rural landscapes and simplistic situations. One such intimate family scene is depicted in The Breakfast (1739). Here a simple family is shown, and Boucher often used his wife and children as his models. Boucher held that two of his biggest inspirations were the artists Watteau and Rubens.
Boucher's artistic talents were many. In addition to his paintings, Boucher participated in designing costumes and sets for several Parisian theaters. He loved designing the comic operas of Favart (1710-1792), and the sets were easily recognizable as his. His whimsical, signature style was clear in all he did. Boucher also tried his hand in designing tapestries. He created pieces for the royal palaces of Versailles, Fontainebleau and Choisy. His designs were successful and sought after. Many of his paintings were made into engravings and reproduced on canvases, porcelain and biscuit-ware at the Vincennes and Sèvres factories.
Critics
Boucher's reputation came under attack again and again from 18th-century French philosopher and father of modern art criticism Diderot, labeling his work as over-ornate, and empty.
Previously French artists had been prohibited from showing female nudes under an edict from King Louis XIV. Only males were allowed to model nude in front of male artists. Boucher used prostitutes to model for him, which also earned Diderot's rebuke.
Many of his works are depictions of mythological paradises in which pretty, full-figured, and sometimes nude goddesses are portrayed in lush backgrounds. Turning away from the solemn Christian subjects that dominated the preceding Baroque era, Boucher's art was criticized for stimulating the viewer to thoughts of pleasure and delight.
Boucher's work earned the criticism of many once the French Revolution erupted. During the war people scorned the pretty and idealistic portrayals of life that Boucher painted.
Death
On May 30, 1770, Francois Boucher died in Paris. His lifelong devotion to painting in the French Rococo style gained him the fame of being the top artist in that genre.
Works include
- Rinaldo and Armida (Louvre Museum)
- The Rest on the Flight to Egypt
- The Leda and the Swan
- La Toilette
- Diana Leaving her Bath
- The Companions of Diana
- Diana Returns from the Hunt
- Bachantes
- Interrupted Sleep
- Portrait of Marie-Louise O'Murphy (Alte Pinakothek)
- Autumn
- Putti with Birds (L'Amour Oiseleur), ca. 1731-33 Honolulu Academy of Arts
- The Visit of Venus to Vulcan
- Christ and John the Baptist as Children
- Pastorale
- Naiads and Triton
- Triumph of Venus
- Venus Consoling Love
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Hedley, Jo, and François Boucher. 2004. François Boucher: Seductive Visions. London: Wallace Collection. ISBN 0900785721
- Laing, Alastair, François Boucher, and Pierre Rosenberg. 2003. The Drawings of François Boucher. New York, N.Y.: American Federation of Arts in association with Scala Publishers. ISBN 1857592980
- Wakefield, David. 2005. Boucher. London: Chaucer. ISBN 1904449352
- Hyde, Melissa Lee, and Mark Ledbury. 2006. Rethinking Boucher. Issues & debates, 15. Los Angeles: Getty Research Institute. ISBN 089236825X
- Hyde, Melissa Lee, and François Boucher. 2006. Making up the Rococo: François Boucher and His Critics. Texts & documents. Los Angeles, CA: Getty Research Institute. ISBN 0892367431
- Boucher, François. 1986. François Boucher, 1703-1770: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, February 17, 1986-May 4, 1986, the Detroit Institute of Arts, May 27-August 17, 1986, Reunion des musées nationaux, Grand Palais, Paris, September 19, 1986-January 5, 1987. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art. ISBN 0810907437
External links
- Timeline of Art History Metmuseum.org. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- Web Gallery of Art Wga.hu. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- Steiner, Raymind J. 2003.Francois Boucher at the Frick Collection Arttimesjournal.com. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- Bruce, Donald. 2005. Boucher at the Wallace Collection Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- Russell, John. 1986. Homage to a Painter Who Celebrated Privilege New York Times. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- Meacham, Steve. 2005. Forgotten Master of Western Art Smh.com. Retrieved July 28, 2007.
- Russo, Elena. 2007. Book Review H-France.net. Retrieved July 28, 2007.
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