Francois Boucher: pictures of the famous painter

The world-famous French decorator, engraver and painter François Boucher was born in the French capital in September 1703. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who earned his living by drawing patterns for embroidery and engravings, and from a small age he helped him in the studio, showing a talent in the visual arts. The father, noticing this, gave it to the training for the famous engraver Jean Kars.

The beginning of an independent life allowed François to earn money by his own labor and to establish useful links with high-ranking clients of his teacher.

Carier start

In 1720, Boucher trained at the then famous monumental master Lemoine, and from 1722 he comprehended the art of engraving and books with the help of the instructions of Jean-Francois Kara Sr..

The first serious work of the painter occurred in 1722, when he was instructed to create illustrations for the new edition of Gabriel Daniel's work "French History". 1723 brought the artist an award: a painting by Francois Boucher "Evil-Merodah, son and heir of Nebuchadnezzar, freeing from the bonds of King Joachim" opened the talent of the painter to the general public.

Italian holidays and triumphant return

In 1727, Boucher went to Italy in order to replenish knowledge and better look at the works of famous masters of his craft.

A great influence on the artist's further work was provided by the works of Giovanni Lanfranco and Pietro da Cortona. Francois Boucher, whose paintings are known to many fans of Rococo, synthesized in the works of one or another of the traditions and techniques of painting, choosing the style most appropriate to his character.

Returning in 1731 from Italy, the artist became a candidate for membership in the Royal Academy in the department of historical painting. After 3 years, thanks to the painting "Rinaldo and Armida", he was finally approved as a member of the academy. In the same period, Boucher worked at the Beauvais factory.

The 30th and 40th years of the XVIII century brought the painter numerous official orders for the painting of apartments in Versailles, particularly in the apartments of the Dauphin, small apartments, the Queen's room.

He also painted the halls of the Royal Library. Taking advantage of the favor of Louis XV and his favorite - the Marquise de Pompadour, Boucher received an order for decoration of their residences, as well as mansions close to the court of the nobility.

About what François Boucher wrote

Allegorical and mythological scenes are one of the favorite themes for Francois Boucher. The artist's paintings are distinguished by grace, piquant amusement and a certain highlight, emphasizing the main idea of the canvas. Also quite often the painter chose for his paintings plot from rural and, in contrast to her, urban life: for example, fairs, folk festivals, the fashionable life of wealthy Parisians.

The pursuit of excellence and diligence, which Bushey invested in his works, allowed him to become the head of the Manufacture of Tapestries in 1755. He created very fruitfully: numerous engravings, scenery for plays and operas, painting of fans, miniatures, ornamental porcelain paintings, paintings for trellised manufactories of the royal family and, of course, well-known illustrations for the books of Boccaccio, Moliere and Ovid brought the well-deserved fame of Francois Boucher. The artist's paintings are kept in many museums of the world: the Louvre Museum, the Pioti Palais Museum, the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, the St. Petersburg Hermitage, the National London Gallery, the Madrid Prado Museum and many others.

A special manner of the artist, distinguished by refinement, pretentiousness, desire to escape from reality, invariably attracts the attention of visitors to museums and galleries.

Knowing well the mores of the Parisian nobility, Boucher nevertheless tried to hide their true desires and vices behind the faces of ordinary rural cowherds.

Francois Boucher: pictures

In 1765, Boucher became "the first painter of the king" and was appointed director of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.

This is perhaps the highest peak in the career that artists of that time dreamed of conquering.

1770 gave the artist another regalia - an honorary membership in the Petersburg Academy of Arts.

Pictures Francois Boucher with the names that fully disclose their content, conquer the purity of performance and a special manner, formed in the early years of the artist's work.

Among the most famous works of the painter are works such as Pygmalion and Galatea, Love Letter, Jupiter and Callisto, The Abduction of Europe, The Triumph of Venus, Hercules and Omphala.

The great creator died in May 1770 at the age of 67. The memory of Bush Francois, paintings, paintings, engravings and miniatures inspired by more than one generation of novice artists, left a notable mark in the history of fine art of the XVIII century, will live for a long time in the hearts of connoisseurs of his talent.