River landscape, ca. 1735 – 1740

About the Work

The river landscape executed by Boucher in black and white chalk is reminiscent of Watteau’s landscapes. A stream winds its way among lush shrubbery and soaring trees. Almost unnoticed, a woman with a child and dog enter the park by way of a foot- bridge. In Watteau’s drawings, landscapes serve as settings for sociable courtship parties. In Boucher’s scene, on the other hand, man and nature merge.