Head of a Woman n.d.

Francois Boucher created this red chalk drawing, "Head of a Woman", sometime in the 18th century. Boucher was a court artist known for his idyllic and sensual paintings, emblematic of Rococo ideals. Looking at this drawing, consider the role of women in 18th century France. Women, especially in the aristocratic circles Boucher inhabited, were expected to embody beauty and elegance. But there was also an increasing interest in representing women with a certain naturalness, as we see here. The intimacy of the drawing suggests a personal moment, yet it is mediated by the artist's gaze and the conventions of the time. Boucher captures her likeness but also subtly reflects the complex social expectations placed on women. This work navigates the space between idealized beauty and individual expression, inviting us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity and representation.