Artwork Page for Book of Fountains: No. 7

Details / Information for Book of Fountains: No. 7

Book of Fountains: No. 7

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 1953.676
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 intricate print in black ink depicts a tiered fountain. At the top, three nude child figures surround a large shell pouring water. One figure stands on the left; two others sit on the right. Below, water cascades from a ledge into a basin. On the left, a monstrous fish head with gaping jaws emerges. On the right, a large bird rests with outspread wings. Text lines the bottom edge.

Book of Fountains: No. 7

c. 1736

Gabriel Huquier, François Boucher

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

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