The Chinese Gardener
Original title: The Chinese Gardener
kurzbeschreibung
John Ingram's print "The Chinese Gardener" was made between 1741 and 1763 as an etching with engraving. It shows a woman in Chinese dress carrying a tall plant container. The model was a drawing by François Boucher, as the inscription "Fr. Boucher" along the lower edge indicates.
Description
On a platform the woman stands at the center, holding a large, tall vessel with plants. Her clothing follows Chinese models; beside her crouch two children dressed in similar style. Trees, shrubs and a small pavilion form the setting, while a vase, a bottle and plants are arranged on a table. A bird perches on a branch behind. Below appear the names of the artist and the engraver along with the title "La Jardinière Chinoise".
Context
The eighteenth century was the heyday of chinoiserie in Europe. François Boucher, a leading master of the Rococo, designed numerous scenes with Chinese motifs. John Ingram turned such models into prints, which were available to a broad market of collectors. This sheet belongs to a series that spread Boucher's compositions.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and the calm bearing of the figures give the image an idyllic balance. Exotic details such as the clothing and the architecture create a romantic Far Eastern mood characteristic of chinoiserie.
Technique
Etching and engraving work together here, allowing both delicate lines and precisely graded shading. It was printed on paper measuring 22 x 14.5 cm, the usual format for single sheets sold either in collected volumes or separately.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)