François Boucher and His Chinoiserie
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Abstract
In this master's thesis, I reexamine the Chinoiserie of the French Rococo artist François Boucher (1703-1770). First, I discuss the French concept of China during the first half of the eighteenth century. Second, I analyze how Boucher's Chinese collection and interests in the Far East informed his art and his Chinoiserie. Finally, I scrutinize Boucher's Chinoiserie designs, focusing on his tapestry sketches. My argument is that Boucher's Chinoiserie has been characterized by contemporary art historians as a masquerade of a fête galante, strewn with miscellaneous Chinese pieces. However, through my investigation, I find Boucher's Chinoiserie laden with many authentic details, rendering a relatively convincing effect, especially in comparison with contemporaneous Chinoiserie works, illustrations in travelogues on China, and imported Chinese porcelain pieces, which made his work distinctive in the period.
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Abstract -- List of Illustrations -- Introduction -- French Philosophical, Social, and Aesthetic Conception of China During the First Half of the Eighteenth Century -- Boucher and His Chinoiserie -- Conclusion -- Illustrations -- Reference List -- Vita.
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M.A. (Master of Arts)
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Open Access (fully available)