Hoofd van man met tricorne

About this artwork

Purchased with the support of the F.G. Waller-Fonds

Art Historical Context

François Boucher's *Hoofd van man metorne* (Head of a Man with Tricorne), created between 1727 and1755, captures the essence of 18th-century French elegance in a compact etching measuring just 111 × 70 mm. Boucher, a leading Rococo master famed for his lavish, playful scenes favored by Louis XV's court, here turns his gaze to portraiture. The tricorne hat—a hallmark of period fashion among gentlemen—evokes the refined world of Enlightenment-era aristocracy, where such head studies served as both artistic exercises and reproducible gems for collectors. Etching, Boucher's favored printmaking technique, allowed him to achieve delicate lines and tonal subtleties by biting acid into a metal plate. This intimate format highlights his virtuosity in rendering texture, from the hat's crisp folds to the man's expressive features, making high art accessible beyond oil paintings. Rococo's lighthearted spirit shines through, blending realism with decorative flair during Boucher's formative years after his Roman Prix de Rome training. Acquired with support from the F.G. Waller-Fonds, this rare print offers a window into Boucher's graphic prowess, bridging his early career experiments with the opulent style that defined French decorative arts. A charming testament to 18th-century portraiture's charm!

About the Artist

François Boucher · 1703–1770

François Boucher (1703–1770) stands as the quintessential master of French Rococo painting and the most celebrated decorative artist of the 18th century. Born in Paris to a lace designer, Boucher created a visual language that perfectly embodied the refined taste, sensuality, and elegance of Louis XV's court. His prolific output—encompassing paintings, tapestry designs, theatrical sets, and decora...