Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Jean-Honore Fragonard's "The Swing"




       Jean-Honore Fragonard
       Oil on Canvas
      1766
      The Wallace Collection, London

This picture became an immediate success, not merely for its technical excellence, but for the scandal behind it. The young nobleman is not only getting an interesting view up the lady's skirt, but she is being pushed into this position by her priest-lover, shown in the rear.

I found this painting very amusing and exciting. For the era in which it was created, the Rococo era, this was very daring and rather scandalous. I found it rather amusing and entertaining that one artist excelled at irritating so many. Awesome!



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    3 comments:

    1. jarielynnAugust 20, 2014 at 8:03 PM

      When I first saw this, I thought, wow she looks like she is having fun. After reading the description, I can see why! The young man on the ground almost seems to be saying, "no! I will not look, do not tempt me." lol. And I really like the well placed Angel statue he is sitting under.

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    2. NaomiColwillAugust 22, 2014 at 10:40 AM

      This picture makes me feel two different ways. The first would be the excitement of being adventurous, carefree, and daring.

      The second thought I had was, back in those times, the woman was blamed for anything promiscuous and she took the blame, but her lover is pushing her out there. I also find it contraindicating that she is highlighted as if to put the spot on her and not the lover also.

      Great Picture!!

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    3. BellOctober 13, 2014 at 5:32 PM

      lol!! this is funny! and very scandalous of course... lol i love art pieces that have background stories like this.

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