François Boucher (1703-1770) was a French painter, engraver, and decorator, regarded as one of the leading figures of the Rococo style. Renowned for his talent in depicting pastoral, mythological, and courtly scenes, Boucher served as the official painter of Louis XV and frequently worked for Madame de Pompadour. His art is celebrated for its elegance, delicate use of color, and compositions brimming with charm and frivolity.
The artwork: The Young Gardener, created in 1754, is a quintessential example of Boucher’s style. The painting portrays a young gardener in a pastoral scene, surrounded by flowers and natural elements that evoke the serenity of an idealized rural life. With soft tones and meticulous attention to detail, this piece captures the romantic and lighthearted spirit of Rococo, conveying an atmosphere of innocence and refined beauty.