The first monograph to appear on the eighteenth-century French artist, Francois Boucher, for nearly twenty years, this illustrated book charts his spectacular rise from poverty to the position of First Painter to King Louis XV. It provides a detailed account of his stylistic development and, by setting it within the historical and cultural context of its day, provides fresh new insights into Boucher's artistic achievement. Boucher's output as a painter, draughtsman, printmaker, tapestry designer and source of inspiration for the decorative arts are all examined, helping to explain his position as the presiding visual genius of eighteenth-century France. Boucher's artistic legacy is also analysed, demonstrating how the mythology surrounding the painter's allegedly libidinous private life has continued to undermine serious consideration of his work up to the present day. Special consideration is given to Boucher's paintings in the Wallace Collection, and the book includes an essay on the collection's Boucher-inspired decorative arts written by its Director, Rosalind Savill. << 150 colour illustrations