Artwork Page for Book of Fountains: No. 3

Details / Information for Book of Fountains: No. 3

Book of Fountains: No. 3

c. 1736

Gabriel Huquier

(French, 1695–1772)

after François Boucher

(French, 1703–1770)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
etching
Credit Line
Gift of Erich Lederer 1953.673
Catalogue raisonné
Fonds Français 18tieme siecle XI.457.576-582
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Boucher was one of the most prolific designers of ornament prints. With their aquatic motifs and gracefully curving and scalloped forms, these designs for fantastic, even bizarre fountains perfectly illustrate the whimsical Rococo approach. Derived from the French word for shell, rocaille, the Rococo was a light, playful style filled with shell motifs (which stemmed in part from a vogue for collecting shells), naturalistic curves, scrolls, and plant forms.
A vertically oriented etching in black ink depicts an ornate fountain. Within a large shell basin, two nude children lean toward each other over a stylized mask. Water cascades into a base supported by scaly, large-eyed sea creatures. Dense foliage fills the background. At the bottom, the words: "avec privilege du Roy." In the upper right corner is the number "3". Fine hatched lines define the detailed, shadowed scene.

Book of Fountains: No. 3

c. 1736

Gabriel Huquier, François Boucher

(French, 1695–1772), (French, 1703–1770)
France, 18th century

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