François Boucher

Laid down. The edges slightly covered by a mount, possibly of the beginning of the 20th century. Few tiny stains scattered around. The media still fresh, the paper slightly discoloured. Sold mounted and framed in a 19th century, wooden and gilded frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This is a fully finished study for the composition engraved in reverse (fig. 1), by Pierre Aveline (c.1702-1760).¹  Its pendant the 'Amours en gayeté' was engraved by J. Daullé in 1750.  This theme of flying putti became one of the artist's most popular and well known subjects.  Many of his compositions of this type were, like the present example, engraved and the images were also often used and copied for decorative purposes, contributing further to their fame.  Although Boucher repeated his most popular formulae with great regularity, he was extremely inventive and successful in devising endlessly original variations on the same theme.  Finished studies such as the present sheet, with its beautiful mise en page, and embellishing touches of pastel, must have been made on demand for collectors, or to be sold.

We are grateful to Alastair Laing for confirming, from an image, the attribution to Boucher.

¹ P. Jean-Richard, L'ouevre grave de François Boucher, Paris 1978, p. 90, no. 252, reproduced, fig. 252