François Boucher was born in Paris, France. He was a painter, engraver, and designer whose works are
regarded as the perfect expression of French taste in the Rococo period.
Boucher first won fame with his sensuous and light-hearted mythological paintings and pastoral
landscapes. He executed important decorative commissions for the queen at Versailles and for his friend
and patron, Mme de Pompadour, at Versailles, Marly, and Bellevue. He became a member of the Royal
Academy in 1734. In 1765 he became director of the Royal Academy and held the title of first painter to
King Louis XV. His work was characterized by the use of delicate colors, gently modeled forms, facile
technique, and light-hearted subject matter. Boucher is generally acclaimed as one of the great draftsmen
of the 18th century.
Description: The subject Oil on Canvas is an attractive classic style with great detail within the canvas.
Boucher original art is getting harder to find and has steadily increased in value over the last decade. In
this scene, a woman drops a bucket into the pond below for water while her dog is seen playing on the
tree log. It is signed with a B however the signature is very light and difficult to see.
Measures: 28.5” x 35”
Condition: The painting shows normal age related issues and could benefit with a professional
conservation restoration and stretch procedure. Conservation will enhance the colors and signature that
age buildup, which is normal, causes. The painting is in what seems to be the original frame.
Valuation: Outside professionals were brought in to validate the authenticity of the collection and
subject matter, including the Pall Mall Art Advisors as well as certified appraisers Milton Talbert and
Paul Rossi. It is determined that the signature is that of the artist and this piece is a François Boucher
original. Based on past comparable sales from Christies New York and Sothebys, the current valuation
is $1,700,000.