Fragonard: Painting out of Time

Jean-Honore Fragonard was a Rococo artist who had not painted for two decades when he died in 1806. He was secretive and created revealing images that undermined a normal sense of space and time. Satish Padiyar investigates his life and work and presents new perspectives on his works, such as The Progress of Love, The Bolt, and The Swing.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 15 June 2020
\n Publisher: Reaktion Books
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Jean-Honore Fragonard, a renowned Rococo artist, reached the pinnacle of his career in the late 18th century. However, his artistic journey took a drastic turn when he passed away in 1806 after a two-decade hiatus from painting. Despite his initial success, Fragonard's reputation began to decline, largely due to his private nature and the provocative nature of his artwork.

Fragonard, known for his secretive demeanor, created paintings that challenged the conventional understanding of space and time. His works, often characterized by their sensuality and intimacy, depicted scenes that blurred the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

In his exploration of Fragonard's life and work, Satish Padiyar sheds light on the final chapter of the libertine painters of the ancien regime. He contextualizes Fragonard within the broader social and cultural landscape of his time, placing him alongside notable figures such as Denis Diderot and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Padiyar offers fresh perspectives on Fragonard's masterpieces, including "The Progress of Love," commissioned for Madame du Barry, "The Bolt," a controversial work that scandalized society, and "The Swing," a beloved masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Padiyar provides a comprehensive account of Fragonard's artistic development and his place in the history of art. He delves into the societal and political context that shaped Fragonard's career, exploring the influence of the French Revolution and the Enlightenment on his work. Padiyar also examines Fragonard's relationships with his patrons, including Madame du Barry, who played a significant role in his artistic success.

In conclusion, "The Last Libertine Painters of the Ancien Regime: Jean-Honore Fragonard and His Controversial Art" is a captivating book that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the life and work of a remarkable artist. Satish Padiyar's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this a must-read for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of art and the complexities of human expression.

\n Weight: 1002g\n
Dimension: 200 x 253 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781789142099\n \n