Mezzetino 1726 - 1728

Francois Boucher made this print, Mezzetino, using etching sometime in the 18th century. Boucher was a painter and draughtsman, but also very interested in printmaking, this was an important and accessible medium in which to circulate his ideas at the time. Boucher was deeply involved in the cultural world of his time, particularly the theatre, and this informed his artistic imagination. Here he presents a figure from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte tradition; the character Mezzetino. This theatrical world often reflected social relations, and Commedia dell'Arte, with its stock characters and improvised scenarios, offered a playful, satirical commentary on French society. The 18th century saw the rise of the modern museum and art market. As people began to collect and display art, prints such as this played a crucial role in shaping taste and establishing artistic reputations. By studying the cultural context and institutional histories, we gain a deeper understanding of the values and ideas that shaped not only Boucher's work, but also the world in which it was created.