François Boucher · 1703–1770
François Boucher
François Boucher (1703-1770) was a leading painter of French Rococo in the 18th century. He served as first painter to Louis XV, and the celebration of women, Venus above all, was his lifelong theme.
François Boucher won the Academy's grand prize at 20 and then studied in Italy, where Venetian painting made a deep impression on him. After returning he became a member of the Academy and later its director. At Versailles he became first painter to Louis XV and also taught drawing to Madame de Pompadour.
His activity was broad, taking in the decoration of Versailles, designs for tapestries and Sèvres porcelain, and even stage designs for the Opéra. In painting, the praise of Venus, the eternal woman, was his motif throughout life. In Japan, Pastoral Music is held.
Winning the Academy's grand prize at 20 and later serving as its director, he was closely tied to the Academy. François Boucher was born on September 29, 1703 and died on May 30, 1770.
