Fragonard: Fantasy Figure vs. the Genre Scene

 The portrait: a classic, well-renowned category of painting. But how do art historians and viewers alike define what is portraiture and what is genre scene? Rococo artist Jean Honoré Fragonard’s extensive collection contains paintings from across the spectrum. His mastery of technique allows him to paint works ranging from classically unique portraiture to erotic genre scene and even detailed landscape. Cinematic compositional choices and clever thematic elements allow viewers to differentiate between these classifications. His euphoric, vigorous painting techniques allow for a light-hearted viewing experience, but also serve as visual markers for the trained eye. The following six paintings reflect the playful and erotic themes that present themselves in Fragonard’s work but also provide an important visual comparison and contrast between his portraiture and genre work. As you view, take a closer look at the figures in each painting. Notice their features and outfits as well as the space they consume in the composition. Consider different spotlights presented with compelling, theatrical gusto. Examine the ways different figures seem to stare back at and invite you a little closer to their worlds. Proceed with caution as we take a trip through this romantic and inviting world of Jean Honoré Fragonard’s fantasy figures and playful genre work.

The Love Letter, Jean Honoré Fragonard, early 1770s

Oil on canvas, 32 3/4 x 26 3/8 in. (83.2 x 67 cm), The Met 49.7.49

Lights. Camera. Action! The theatrical tension in this painting is almost palpable as the spotlight falls on the beautifully dressed subject in this painting. Her piercing gaze pulls you in, asking you to look at her, but the never-ending sea of cozy browns and the sketch-like brush strokes draw your attention to the material beauty of the paint. This genre scene shows Fragonard’s ability to draw in viewers both by subject matter and artistic skill.

Portrait of a Young Woman, Jean Honoré Fragonard , 1770s Oil on canvas, Oval, 31 3/4 x 25 in. (80.6 x 63.5 cm), The Met 65.226

Fragonard took this canvas as an opportunity to share his artistic abilities. As the colors meld together, the soft, golden quality of this portrait seems a stark contrast from the brush-like, saturated quality of Fragonard’s fantasy figures. The static quality this piece provides is seemingly ruptured with the implication of a breeze moving through her hair as well and the fluid quality of her fingers as they blend and bend with the folds of the draped fabric.

A Woman with a Dog, Jean Honoré Fragonard, ca. 1769 Oil on canvas, 32 x 25 3/4 in. (81.3 x 65.4 cm), The Met 37.118

This painting belongs to Fragonard’s works known as the fantasy figures. This collection features various men and women leisurely posing or in pursuit of various activities. The quick strokes surrounding this figure tint the air with confidence and leave the viewer impressed by the subject. The woman, recently identified as Marie Emilie Coignet de Courson (1716-1806), is clad in this flamboyant costume reminiscent of the gowns of the Medici family. This salon hostess dominates the composition in comparison to the small proportions of the white dog, and commands viewers attention.

The Bolt, Jean Honoré Fragonard, ca. 1778 Oil on canvas, 93 x 73 cm, Louvre, Paris, France

This piece highlights one of the central themes to Fragonard’s work: romance. The rise of the Rococo movement focused on more lighthearted and entertaining painting. This light yet ambitious painting offers insight into the theatrics Fragonard accomplishes in his genre work as well. The theatrical lighting of this moment serves to emphasize the figures, but it also emphasizes their actions. Here, we have caught these two lovers in a very intimate yet ordinary moment.

A Young Girl Reading, Jean Honoré Fragonard, ca. 1776 Oil on canvas, 64.8 x 81.1 cm, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, US

Even though this painting only depicts a young girl reading, we can still tie it into the larger context of Fragonard’s work. As in A woman with a Dog, the young girl and her cozy pillow are facetiously proportioned in comparison to the book in her hands.  Fragonard is depicting a private, beautiful moment in this portrait as he also does in The Bolt. The viewer is compelled to observe this lovely young girl enraptured by this book, but also to let her be and let her enjoy being lost in her love for the words on those pages. 

The Swing, Jean Honoré Fragonard, 1767 Oil on canvas, 64.2 x 81 cm, Wallace Collection, London, UK

One of Fragonard’s most famous works of art, this painting still uses the imagination to create a sense of fantasy. The defined, linear quality of this painting contrasts much of what we have seen from Fragonard’s genre and portrait work previously. However, this is still a romantic, playful moment between two lovers. Rather than the viewer invading this moment, we get to relax and watch the tension between the man pushing the swing and the younger man peering at the young damsel in the center of the composition.