François Boucher French
1753
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 525
Francois Boucher produced almost as a signature motif these allegorical putti suspended midair. They represented a season, the elements, or one of the arts, shorthand decorative programs. Boucher often had little direct participation in the production of these decorative canvases, allowing his workshop to execute these paintings. The chantourné format was a functional response to the specific design needs of the rococo interiors they graced.