The Parasol, from "L'Artiste" 1800 - 1900

Francois Boucher made this print, “The Parasol,” in France, as part of a series called "L'Artiste." It reflects the European fascination with Asia, known as "chinoiserie," that was very fashionable in the 18th century. In this image, Boucher blends a generalized idea of Asian aesthetics with French Rococo style. This can be seen in the elegant, idealized figure of the woman and the soft, decorative landscape. Boucher, who also worked for the theatre, likely saw these images as stage sets and costumes, fantasies to be consumed. This shows the social conditions that shaped art production as the prints catered to the tastes of the French court and upper class who embraced exoticism and luxury. Historians examine trade records, fashion plates, and the writings of the Enlightenment to understand this period. Boucher's "Parasol" thus offers a glimpse into the cultural fantasies of 18th-century France and the ways in which art and institutions shape the image of foreign cultures.