Early Life and Training

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a prominent French painter and printmaker, was born on April 4, 1732, in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. His father, François Fragonard, was a glover, and his mother, Françoise Petit, was a homemaker. At the age of eighteen, Fragonard was apprenticed to François Boucher, a renowned artist, where he honed his skills in art.

Artistic Career

Fragonard's artistic career can be divided into several phases:

• Early Work (1750s): Fragonard gained the Prix de Rome in 1752 with a painting of Jeroboam Sacrificing to the Golden Calf. He then studied under Charles-André van Loo for three years.
• Italian Influences (1760s): Fragonard contracted a friendship with fellow painter Hubert Robert and toured Italy, executing numerous sketches of local scenery. This period saw the development of his signature style.
• Rococo Maturity (1770s): Fragonard's paintings from this period, such as The Swing (1767) and The Blind Man's Bluff (1780), showcase his mastery of the Rococo style.
• Neoclassicism ( Late 1770s): Fragonard experimented with Neoclassicism, as seen in his work Portrait of Denis Diderot (1769).

Legacy and Notable Works

Fragonard's legacy is marked by his prolific output and the influence he had on subsequent art movements. Some of his notable works include:

• The Bolt (View on WahooArt)
• Love Vow (Discover more about Fragonard's works on WahooArt)
• The Shirt Removed

Museums and Collections

Fragonard's work can be found in various museums, including the Louvre (Explore more about art history on WahooArt), and his own collection at Grasse Cathedral. Key Dates: * April 4, 1732: Born in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes * 1752: Gained the Prix de Rome * August 22, 1806: Passed away in Paris Jean-Honoré Fragonard's artistic legacy continues to inspire art enthusiasts worldwide. His contributions to the Rococo style remain unparalleled, and his influence on subsequent art movements is undeniable.