Other Chinese Soldier
Original title: Other Chinese Soldier
kurzbeschreibung
François Boucher's etching Anderer chinesischer Soldat dates from between 1738 and 1745. It shows a Chinese soldier in traditional dress seated on a shield and carrying a lance.
Description
A feathered plume on his headdress, the soldier sits on a shield. Over a short trouser suit he wears a robe. A patterned shield rests beside him, while leaves and flowers fill the background. Fine lines and hatching in black and white define the image, as is typical of etchings.
Context
Between 1738 and 1745, when Chinese motifs were in demand in European art, Boucher made this etching. It belongs to a series that grew out of his engagement with exotic themes. The sheet is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is in the public domain.
Impact
Delicate linework and a calm, almost idyllic rendering of the soldier distinguish this print. An exotic subject and refined technique combine into a detached, aesthetically pleasing view.
Technique
Fine lines and hatching create contours and textures in this etching. The black-and-white print is trimmed to 21 × 13.3 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)