Early Boucher Discovered in Wardrobe

June 5 2020

Image of Early Boucher Discovered in Wardrobe

Picture: Gazette Drouot

Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:

The Gazette Drouot has published news that the auction house Daguerre have discovered an early work by François Boucher (1703-1770) in a wardrobe of a private house.

The work dating to the 1720s shows a young man playing the hurdy gurdy (click to listen to a music clip), an instrument that was rather popular in eighteenth century France. It was last sold from the collection of Vicomte Beuret in 1924 where it was described as 'attributed to Boucher'.

This rare early work is coming up for sale at Daguerre's sale on 23rd June with an estimate of €40,000 - €60,000. It seems very likely that the final price will soar past this tempting estimate!

Update - The painting made €494,000 (inc. fees).

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