Circle of François Boucher, Putti with Urn, 18th Century, Ink & Wash Drawing

An original 18th-century watercolour painting, Circle of François Boucher, Putti with Urn.A delightful ink and wash Rococo drawing from the circle of François Boucher (1703–1770). The decorative subject features two chubby putti set around a large urn of flowers, shaped in the form of an oval. The design is pinpricked for pouncing—for transfer onto another surface—indicating that this may be the design for a decorative item such as porcelain.The delicately pricked outline can be seen on the verso of the paper, but is barely visible on the recto.The image's voluptuousness exemplifies the playful decorative Rococo style that first emerged in France during the 1720s and 30s. More than any other artist, François Boucher is associated with the formulation of the mature Rococo style and its dissemination throughout Europe. He was among the most prolific of his generation and worked in virtually every medium and every genre. He was also highly adept at marketing his work, providing designs for all manner of decorative arts, from porcelain to tapestry.Amongst the various genres that he painted are his canvases of putti, of which he was particularly proud. In 1735 the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture exhibited a small display of works by its members. Rather than choose his better-known portraits or nudes, Boucher exhibited four charming putti paintings, which proved extraordinarily popular.Boucher was a prolific and varied draughtsman. His drawings played a multitude of roles in the preparation of paintings and as designs for printmakers, as well as being created as finished works of art for the growing market of collectors.In pen and ink with graphite underdrawing and brown watercolour wash. On laid paper.All artworks come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Signed: No. Height: 16cm (6.3″) Width: 14.4cm (5.7″) Condition: Some minor marks and slight age toning to the paper. Please see photos for detail. Presented: Unframed.