The Flute Lesson

Oil on canvas

63.2 x 101 cm

Like Jean-Antoine Watteau, whom he admired, François Boucher embodies the Rococo period. Light colours, erotic subjects and airy natural idylls dominate his paintings. These were greatly appreciated by his aristocratic patrons. The young shepherd with childishly chubby cheeks coaxes his shepherdess to "play the flute". She does not hesitate to follow his lead, reaching towards him for an amorous tête-à-tête. This pastoral scene was also used as a woven upholstery and decorative porcelain pattern because of its playful eroticism.

François Boucher was born in Paris in 1703 and died there in 1770.