François Boucher (September 29, 1703 – May 30, 1770) was a French painter, a proponent of Rococo taste.
Boucher is known for his idyllic and voluptuous paintings on classical themes, decorative allegories representing the arts or pastoral occupations, and intended as a sort of two-dimensional furniture. He also painted several portraits of his illustrious patroness, Madame de Pompadour.
Born in Paris, the son of a lace designer Nicolas Boucher, François Boucher was perhaps the most celebrated decorative artist of the 18th century, with most of his work reflecting the Rococo style. At the young age of 17, Boucher was apprenticed by his father to François Lemoyne, however after only 3 months he went to work for the engraver Jean-François Cars. Within 3 years Boucher had already won the elite Grand Prix de Rome, although he did not take up the consequential opportunity to study in Italy until 4 years later. On his return from studying in Italy in 1731, he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture as a historical painter, and became a faculty member in 1734.
Neoclassicist Jacques-Louis David began his painting instruction under Boucher. Boucher is famous for saying that the natural world was "trop verte et mal eclaire" (too green and badly lit).
Francois Boucher died on May 30, 1770 in Paris, France. - wikipedia
Breakfast Movement: Rococo Art Collection: Musee du Louvre, Paris, France Dimensions: 25.8 x 32.1 in (65.5 x 81.5 cm) Date: 1739 Artist: Francois Boucher
Diana Resting after her Bath 1742 Movement: Rococo Art Collection: Musee du Louvre, Paris, France Dimensions: 22.0 x 28.7 in (56 x 73 cm) Date: 1742 Artist: Francois Boucher
Portrait of Marquise de Pompadour 1756 Movement: Rococo Art Collection: Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Bavaria, Germany Dimensions: 61.8 x 79.1 in (157 x 201 cm) Date: 1756 Artist: Francois Boucher
