Artwork
Visit to the Nurse
Visit to the Nurse is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Visit to the Nurse is a delicate drawing executed in gray wash and watercolor over black chalk on laid paper, attributed to the French artist Jean Honoré Fragonard and dated to circa 1785.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the work depicts a scene of a visit to a nurse, implying a domestic, intimate setting, likely exploring themes of family, care, or everyday life characteristic of Fragonard's Rococo tendencies.
Technique & Style
Fragonard's use of gray wash and watercolor over black chalk underscores his mastery of layering techniques to achieve depth and texture. The piece reflects the Rococo style's emphasis on lightness, delicacy, and capturing fleeting moments of daily life.
History & Provenance
Created around 1785, this work falls within Fragonard's prolific period. However, specific details regarding its commission, original ownership, or exhibition history before its current location are not provided.
Context
Painted during the late 18th century, Visit to the Nurse situates itself within the waning period of the Rococo style, as European art tastes began shifting towards Neoclassicism. It represents a continuation of Fragonard's interest in depicting serene, personal moments.
Legacy
As part of Fragonard's oeuvre, Visit to the Nurse contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing the intimacy and beauty of everyday 18th-century life, influencing subsequent generations of artists in their portrayal of domestic themes.
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.
