A Man and Woman in a Landscape
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-249-11
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
François Boucher’s 1751 print *A Man and Woman in a Landscape* captures the graceful spirit of French Rococo art at its height. Active during the reign of Louis XV, Boucher was celebrated for his lighthearted depictions of nature and courtship that appealed to aristocratic patrons seeking elegant escapism. This work, created when the artist was at the peak of his influence, reflects the period’s fascination with pastoral idylls—serene outdoor settings where figures engage in quiet, intimate moments away from court formality. As a print, the piece likely served to extend Boucher’s vision beyon...