Boucher, Francois, << boo SHAY, frahn SWAH >> (1703-1770), was a leading painter in France during the 1700’s. He perfected the elegant, decorative style called Rococo. The bright colors and fluid touch that characterize this style are found in Boucher’s most famous paintings. These works portray the loves of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. The Rococo style also appears in his portraits, landscapes, book illustrations, and designs for tapestries and theatrical sets.
Boucher was born on Sept. 29, 1703, in Paris and studied there and in Rome. He became the favorite painter of Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. Through her influence, he received commissions for some of his major decorative works. In 1765, he was appointed First Painter to the King and Director of the French Academy. The appointments gave Boucher virtual control of all the official French art of the day. His influence is evident in the work of his best pupil, the Rococo painter Jean Honore Fragonard. Boucher died on May 30, 1770.
