Fragonard, Jean-Honoré
Fragonard, Jean-Honoré (1732-1806). French painter whose scenes of frivolity andgallantry are among the most complete embodiments of the Rococo spirit. He wasa pupil of Chardin for a short while and also of Boucher, before winning thePrix de Rome in 1752. From 1756 to 1761 he was in Italy, where he eschewed thework of the approved masters of the High Renaissance, but formed a particularadmiration for Tiepolo.
Hetravelled and drew landscapes with Hubert Robert and responded with especialsensitivity to the gardens of the Villa d'Este at Tivoli, memories of whichoccur in paintings throughout his career. In 1765 he became a member of theAcademy with his historical picture in the Grand Manner CoroesusSacrificing himself to Save Callirhoe (Louvre, Paris). He soon abandonedthis style, however, for the erotic canvases by which he is chiefly known (TheSwing, Wallace Collection, London, c. 1766). After his marriage in 1769he also painted children and family scenes. He stopped exhibiting at the Salonin 1767 and almost all his work was done for private patrons. Among them wasMme du Barry, Louis XV's most beautiful mistress, for whom he painted the worksthat are often regarded as his masterpieces — the four canvases representing TheProgress of Love (Frick Collection, New York, 1771-73). These, however,were returned by Mme du Barry and it seems that taste was already turningagainst Fragonard's lighthearted style. He tried unsuccessfully to adapthimself to the new Neoclassical vogue, but in spite of the admiration and supportof David he was ruined by the Revolution and died in poverty.
Fragonardwas a prolific painter, but he rarely dated his works and it is not easy tochart his stylistic develop;ent. Alongside those of Boucher, his paintings seemto sum up an era. His delicate coloring, witty characterization, andspontaneous brushwork ensured that even his most erotic subjects are nevervulgar, and his finest work has an irresistible verve and joyfulness.
Список литературы
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