Sheet of Sketches 1735

This ‘Sheet of Sketches’ was made by François Boucher sometime in the 18th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. It’s a beautiful example of how simple materials can render complex scenes. The drawing captures Boucher’s attention to the natural world and human figure. With each stroke of the pen, he defines the forms of women in what appears to be a rural setting, going about daily labor. The immediacy of the sketch allows us to see the artist’s hand at work, each line contributing to the overall composition. Note how the use of ink allows for a range of tonality and depth, creating an immersive image with minimal resources. Boucher would have been intimately familiar with the range of marks achievable through the medium, and we can observe the rapid pace of the line work, as the scenes have come together swiftly. This mode of production emphasizes the skillful hand of the artist, imbuing the sketch with social and cultural significance. It allows for a glimpse into 18th century French society, and the artistic process, blurring boundaries between craft and fine art.