Jean Honore Fragonard (1732-1806)

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Jean-Honore Fragonard, life and work

Jean-Honore Fragonard - a recognized amateur improviser French art of the XVIII century. Illustrious Grand Master paintings and engravings, he boldly experimented and retreated from the onslaught of classicism. Inner corners of his life reflected in hundreds of pieces.

Getting creative way

April 5, 1732, in Grasse in southern France, in the family glover and merchant haberdasher, son. Failed investment devastated family, and she moved to Paris. At a young age, Jean made a clerk in the notary's office, but the occupation did not bring pleasure, but his thoughts were given to painting. The tendency to draw the young man was noticed by a notary. At the next meeting with the parents of the boy, he advises to listen to the will of his son and send him to study art craft.

The first step towards changing the professional activity, was the familiarity with the famous painter Francois Boucher. Reviewing the work of the young man, the master of a verdict - they are not good enough for the workshop, and advised parents to turn to Jean-Baptiste Shardane. But the young student does not leave hope to learn from the great painter, and after six months of training at the Chardin successfully returned to idol Bush.

Fragonard was captured freedom, ease and fun the fantastic art teacher. Handwriting mentor, he left many canvases. Sensual Bliss, exquisite decoration, feeling the joy of being reflected in the early works of Jean. His drawings could not be distinguished from the work of the teacher. During this period he often writes young poselyanok with bare breasts, surrounded by flowers and chubby babies. Such works were in demand, and paid tribute to the Rococo sophistication. Fragonard could continue to work in this direction and to live comfortably. But he went further and began to study in depth the style of Rembrandt.

Stages of adult painting

The quest for higher and deeper art young artist, were seen Bush, and he recommended to take part in the Roman academic competition. To this end, it was written painting "The Sacrifice of Jeroboam," which gave the victory and the opportunity to live and work in Italy. But for the award had to be studied for three years at the school of Karl Wanli.

During the French Academy in Rome, Fragonard became acquainted with the ancient and Renaissance art. He was struck by the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael. Improve your style establishment failed because the formal orientation training acted up. Get yourself and reflect their own vision of the world has helped acquaintance with the painter Hubert Robert and art lovers Saint Nonom.

Immersed in a world of strangers, he changes direction with ease in drawing. Cooperation with new acquaintances in the artist awakens dormant talents. The joint trip to the south of Italy opened a brilliant career during Fragonard. The result was a magnificent and richly illustrated edition of large format art, it consisted of and engravings. The basis were sketches of street scenes, landscapes, architecture.

Returning to Paris, the artist exposes the painting "Death of Cortez." She made an unprecedented splash and played the role of crossing the ticket for entry into the Royal Academy of Arts. During this time period, Jean devotes a lot of time and engraving. It creates a series of paintings at the same time, drawing the French park. He showed brilliant graphics capabilities. Reflecting the park area, using a bistro, sanguine, watercolor, ink. Figures showed the freshness of impressions received in conjunction with the fantastic elements. "The game of hide and seek," "Feast of the Rambouillet" convey the incredible richness of light and airiness.

Fragonard was a nutty person, he constantly changed the style of the image reconstructed his lyre and wrote in all directions. His masterpiece "Swing" is filled with awe, sensuality and happiness. Decorative color harmoniously intersect with compositional rhythm. At the same time painted portraits works destroyed the established canons of the time. Was captured at the moment of enlightenment philosopher on canvas "Portrait of Denis Diderot" proves it. The work is dynamic and expressive, and her color scheme speaks of variability of nature.

The final part of art

Soon after his return to France, Jean stopped writing on historical subjects and decided to follow the tastes of the era. While idealistic enjoyed unprecedented popularity and pastoral genre in the spirit of his teacher Boucher. Although critics and outraged by a sharp change in the Fragonard painting, they had to admit that the new facilities are a huge success and are firmly in vogue. Depicted intimate scenes, scenes with erotic overtones and pastorals were sold at a great price. Jean continued to paint portraits, miniatures. It works on engraving etching. The best are engravings - "cabinet", "Antony and Cleopatra", "Supper at Emmaus". Well sold watercolors and pastels. The artist is not only fashionable, but also a rich.

But the beginning of the French Revolution. In this difficult time for the country, Jean was the curator of the National Museum of the Louvre and a member of the jury of art exhibitions. The art includes a new style - classicism. Change deprives Fragonard popularity and completely ruining it.

In 1793, he visited his native Grasse. At the beginning of the XIX century back in Paris, where 22 August 1806 at the age of 74 years dies. His works adorn the museum today, collections of paintings and galleries, including the Louvre and the Hermitage. His name was given to the factory and the museum Fragonard perfume in France. This great man has left an indelible mark on the art of XVIII-XIX centuries, closely related painting and drawing, singing the praises of joy of life and have an incredible taste performance.