Le Gout (Taste) from the series Les Cinq Senses (The Five Senses)

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

François Boucher's "Le Goût (Taste)," part of his series "Les Cinq Sens (The Five Senses)," captures the playful spirit of 18th-century French Rococo art. Created between 1720 and 1770, this work reflects Boucher's signature style—light, elegant, and sensual—where figures often embody pleasure and refinement. As one of the era's most celebrated artists, Boucher frequently explored mythological and allegorical themes that celebrated the joys of everyday life. The theme of the five senses was popular in European decorative arts during the Rococo period, symbolizing human experience through charming scenes of indulgence. "Taste" likely portrays figures savoring food or drink, inviting viewers to appreciate sensory delight in a graceful, intimate setting. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum as a gift from Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, the piece highlights how such allegorical series blended art with cultural ideals of elegance and enjoyment. Though details of its medium remain under research, Boucher's lively compositions continue to charm audiences with their warmth and sophistication.