Chinese Dancer, from Livre de Chinois (Book of Chinoiserie) 1720 - 1770

This etching by François Boucher, titled “Chinese Dancer”, is part of a series called *Livre de Chinois* (Book of Chinoiserie). Dated 1720-1770, the work depicts a dancer in traditional Chinese garb, with a wide-brimmed hat and exaggerated features. The figure is set against a stylized landscape with a pagoda in the background, further emphasizing the exoticism of the subject. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of movement and energy, capturing the dynamism of the dancer's pose. Boucher's work reflects the fashionable interest in chinoiserie, a trend of the Rococo period, showcasing a fascination with Chinese culture and aesthetics among the European elite.