École de François Boucher (1703-1770) - Deux putti jouant

Two putti playing
Old drawing attributed to François Boucher (1703–1770), probably from the artist's school.
Ancient drawing executed with three pencils (black stone, sanguine, and white chalk) on laid paper, depicting two putti playing, one seated in the foreground, the other leaning behind him. The volumes of the children's bodies, the subtle modeling, and the lightness of the gesture reveal great mastery of drawing and directly recall the hand of François Boucher, one of the leading masters of French Rococo.

Artistic description
The scene shows two cherubs depicted with softness and precision, typical of the galant and decorative sensibility of the 18th century. The supple curves, the vaporous treatment of the flesh, the sanguine accents to animate the contours, and the delicate use of white chalk for luminous highlights are entirely characteristic of Boucher's style.
The composition is harmonious, intimate, and graceful, in the spirit of the numerous studies of putti that the painter created for his mythological paintings, door panels, and tapestries.

Technique
Technique: Three crayons (black pencil, sanguine, white chalk)

Support: antique laid paper, visible in raking light.

Dimensions outside the frame: approximately 22 x 28 cm

Signed at the bottom 'F. Boucher'.

Initialed on the back 'F. B.'

Historical context
François Boucher (1703–1770) was one of the most influential artists of the 18th century, official painter to the Marquise de Pompadour and a major figure of the Rococo style. His drawings are sought after for their virtuosity, elegance, and decorative character.
Studies of Putti, love figures, and children's figures are recurring themes in his work, often intended to prepare for large compositions or to serve as models for tapestry manufactories.

Condition of preservation
Drawing in good overall condition for its age, with a uniform patina of the old laid paper. Some visible signs of aging, without major deterioration of the work. Antique gilded frame, in good condition.

Attribution
The work is attributed to François Boucher on the basis:

of the handwritten signature

from the monogram to the back

Characteristic technique with three pencils

the quality of the line and the typical style of the master

Attribution remains cautious, as is customary for old drawings without a certified provenance.


Organization of photos
To enable precise visual expertise, the photos are presented in a structured manner:

Photos 1 to 6: The drawing with frame.

Photos 7 to 18: The drawing without a frame, taken without direct light to show the true condition of the paper and the tracing.

Photos 19 to 27: Close-up details in raking light, highlighting:

the texture of laid paper

the traits of the drawing

the visible aiming at the target

chalk pigments and highlights

the shaping of the





The frame will be shipped by registered mail and very well protected.


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The frame shown in the photos above was added to the artwork by the seller or a third party. This frame is included at no additional cost so that you can hang the artwork upon receipt. The frame is offered and is not considered an integral part of the artwork. Consequently, any potential damage to the frame that does not affect the artwork itself will not be a valid reason to file a claim or request order cancellation.