One of My Top Artists: Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, born in 1732 in Grasse, France, emerged as one of the most prolific painters and draftsmen of the eighteenth century. Moving to Paris at a young age, Fragonard initially worked as a clerk before pursuing his passion for art. He trained under the still life painter Jean Siméon Chardin and later under François Boucher, whose influence rapidly advanced Fragonard's talent. Winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1752, he studied history and the classics at the École des élèves protégés under Carle Van Loo, further honing his skills.

Fragonard spent five years at the Académie de France in Rome, where he developed a deep interest in landscape painting. Inspired by Italian landscapists and supported by patrons like the Abbé de Saint-Non, he created some of the century's finest landscape drawings. Returning to Paris, Fragonard initially garnered acclaim for his monumental canvas Corésus and Callirhoé, exhibited at the Salon of 1765. However, he chose to focus on private commissions, painting small cabinet pictures and genre scenes for a select clientele.

Fragonard's body of work includes notable pieces such as The Swing (my personal favorite; found below) and the series known as the Progress of Love, commissioned by Madame du Barry. Despite his innovative and brilliant artistry, Fragonard's whimsical temperament and independent spirit often led to unfinished commissions and a departure from mainstream neoclassical trends. His later years saw a return to landscape themes and the creation of intimate, highly finished works like The Bolt. During the French Revolution, he briefly returned to Grasse before being appointed a curator at the new national museum by Jacques-Louis David. Fragonard's artistic output diminished in his final years, and he passed away in 1806, leaving a legacy as a master of the late Rococo style.

Fragonard, “The Swing,” 1767. Oil on canvas.

The Swing, is one of my personal favorites and an emblematic image of 18th-century French art. I love how it perfectly captures the playful and whimsical spirit of the Rococo era. The painting features a young woman in a stunning pink silk dress, suspended mid-air on a swing. She is positioned between her elderly husband, who pushes her from the right, and her young lover, who gazes at her from the left with delight. One of my favorite details is the moment her slipper flies off, adding a sense of spontaneity and freedom. Her lover's gesture with his hat is both flirtatious and symbolic, enhancing the painting's mischievous charm. Every time I look at this piece, I’m reminded of the joy and exuberance that art can bring, making it a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire.

Fragonard, “Young Girl Reading,” 1769. Oil on canvas.

Young Girl Reading, is another personal favorite of mine and a quintessential example of 18th-century French art. This charming piece captures a serene and intimate moment, featuring a young girl engrossed in her book. Dressed in a beautiful yellow dress with delicate lace, she sits comfortably, completely absorbed in her reading. The soft light gently illuminates her face, highlighting her youthful innocence and the quiet joy of the moment. What I love most about this painting is the sense of peace and contemplation it evokes. It reminds me of the timeless pleasure of getting lost in a good book, making it a piece that resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes those quiet, reflective moments.

Fragonard, “The Love Letter,” Early 1770s. Oil on canvas.

The Love Letter is another one of my favorites, capturing the charm of 18th-century art with its energetic and warm brushstrokes. The painting features a young woman illuminated by sunlight, highlighting her cap, powdered face, flowers, and dress. Her affectionate dog sits with her, on her chair, adding to the scene’s lively texture.

This genre scene invites us to imagine a romantic narrative beyond the frame, as the woman clutches a love letter and bouquet. The simplicity and timelessness of the love letter motif, reminiscent of Johannes Vermeer’s work, make this piece memorable. Fragonard’s ability to convey such intimate moments captivates me.