The Swing
Jean-Honoré Fragonard. 1767 C.E. France. Oil on canvas
The Swing, rich with symbolism, not only manages to capture a moment of complete spontaneity and joie de vivre, but also alludes to the illicit affair that may have already been going on, or is about to begin.
Artist: Jean Honore Fragonard
Patron: Unknown
Location: France
Date: 1766
Style: Painting (Portrait)
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Movement: Rococo
Form: Epitome of Rococo
- Lightheartedness (subject and technique)
- Realism and Naturalism
- Emphasis on the natural background
- Intentional use of soft colors
- Ornate details (layers in her dress)
- Strong use of lines (eyes directed towards the woman)
- Lighting = woman bathed in sunlight
Function: Shows a woman on a swing while her lover and a bishop stand below
Content: Depiction of a fine lady swinging above her lover and a bishop
- Scene = dense garden with flowers and cupid statues
Context:
1766: People of France were living better than population
- Wealthy and lavish living
- Women were major patrons of the arts
- Art was seen as a wealthy escape from issues that France was facing
- Art became exclusive to the rich
- Art served as an attractive way for nobles to express themselves
Cross Cultural Comparison
