Dreaming Shepherdess

Boucher's subtle renderings of gallant scenes made him one of the most sought-after artists at the court of Louis XV.

Pastoral scenes which, prior to the 18th century, were to be found in France exclusively in literary form, were typical of French painting under Louis XV. Here, a young dreaming shepherdess reclines against a stone wall overgrown with green bushes, amid lush vegetation. Her loosened bodice, plunging décolleté and blushing cheeks allow us to guess her thoughts. A basket of fragrant flowers stands by her bare feet. The viewer is borne off into a blissful, idyllic world. Boucher, a master of titillating scenes, exploits a number of sensuous charms: the pale skin tones, the soft, smooth fabrics, the colours and use of light.