Artwork
The Little Park (Le petite parc)
The Little Park (Le petite parc) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Little Park (Le petite parc) is an etching created by Jean Honoré Fragonard around 1763, capturing a serene park scene in loose, expressive lines.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a tranquil park with winding paths, small trees, and distant human activity, including figures on a bridge and a riverside building, conveying a sense of peaceful everyday life.
Technique & Style
Characterized by loose, sketchy lines reminiscent of quick pencil strokes, the etching showcases Fragonard's ability to imbue detail and vitality, notably in the intricately rendered trees, achieving a light, airy feel in monochrome.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1763, specific details on the etching's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
Part of Fragonard's output during a period when etching was a popular medium for capturing landscapes and everyday scenes, The Little Park reflects the 18th-century interest in depicting serene, natural environments.
Legacy
While The Little Park may not be Fragonard's most renowned work, it contributes to the artist's broader legacy in etching and his capacity to evoke atmosphere and detail in a minimalist, black-and-white format.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Honoré Fragonard was born on 5 April 1732 in Grasse, the son of a glover, and moved with his family to Paris in 1738.
