Sheet of Sketches 1735

Curator: Here we have Francois Boucher's "Sheet of Sketches," dating from 1735, a drawing rendered in pen and pencil now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My initial feeling is that this is rather like a daydream, a visual compendium of the artist's passing observations and fleeting impressions. The composition is certainly unique. Curator: Indeed. Note how Boucher organizes the disparate elements within the frame. The artist offers an interesting structural contrast. The grouping of figures in the lower register leads our eyes to the single bearded head positioned up top. We can decode meaning from the intentional juxtaposition of subjects, a formalist perspective suggests. Editor: The old man's weary gaze carries the weight of experience, contrasted to the assumed youth of the figures lower down, seemingly rustic figures engaged in simple activities. This is an archetypal depiction of the ages of man, the ever present cycle of life. The figures almost seem timeless in the execution of Boucher's print making style. Curator: Note also how Boucher employs line and value. The economy of line speaks to Boucher’s mastery of suggestion. Hatching and cross-hatching builds dimension and spatial relationships among the elements. There is much sophistication present, despite the modest intention of this work, supposedly a compilation of initial impressions. Editor: Looking closely, the seated woman with the basket is like an earth goddess or some form of Ceres-like symbol of summer. Even in the incidental figure, we recognize enduring imagery. Curator: Precisely, an interplay of simple elements that is subtly charged with symbolism that goes far beyond the representational value. Editor: Boucher clearly possessed an acute sensitivity to the enduring nature of the simplest symbols in everyday life. The passage of time holds these truths. Curator: Thank you, with your remarks I am able to appreciate a far deeper meaning that may be present here. Editor: These observations regarding Boucher's composition were rather insightful.