Description
The painting "The Progress of Love: The Pursuit" by the French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard is a late Rococo masterpiece. This painting is one of four that Fragonard created for the Chateau de Fontainebleau in 1771 and is considered one of the artist's most important works.
The painting measures 318 x 216 cm and shows a couple in a garden chasing each other. The man, dressed in a hunting outfit, chases the woman, who is wearing a white dress and a ribbon in her hair. The garden is full of flowers and foliage, and a palace can be seen in the background. The composition is very dynamic, with the couple in motion and the curved lines of the foliage giving it additional movement.
Color is another interesting aspect of painting. Fragonard used soft and delicate pastel tones to create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. The green and pink tones of the flowers and foliage perfectly complement the white and blue tones of the woman's dress and the man's hunting suit.
Apart from the beauty of the painting, there are some interesting historical aspects about it. The painting was commissioned by Queen Marie Antoinette for the Chateau de Fontainebleau, and is believed to be one of the last works Fragonard created for the French court before the French Revolution.
There are also some lesser known aspects of painting. In the original version of the painting, the man had a crossbow, but Fragonard decided to change it to a bow and arrow to make the painting more romantic. Also, the painting was restored in the 20th century and it was discovered that the woman was originally holding a rose in her hand.
In short, "The Progress of Love: The Pursuit" is a late Rococo masterpiece. The dynamic composition, soft pastel tones, and story behind the painting make it a fascinating and beautiful work of art.