Artwork

Scene in a Park

Scene in a Park, by Jean Honoré Fragonard, 1760
Scene in a Park, by Jean Honoré Fragonard, 1760

Scene in a Park is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Scene in a Park, a drawing by Jean‑Honoré Fragonard dating from around 1760, is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a tranquil outdoor setting where figures are gathered near water, surrounded by trees and foliage, conveying a calm, leisurely atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

In the composition, a woman sits on the ground while another figure is partially concealed behind a tree, suggesting an intimate, informal gathering. The arrangement of the figures and the natural surroundings evokes a moment of quiet recreation, emphasizing the pleasures of leisure in a landscaped park.

Technique & Style

Fragonard employs loose, expressive strokes that lend the drawing a sense of immediacy. Subtle chiaroscuro creates contrast between light and shadow, adding depth and a gentle atmospheric quality to the scene. The handling of line and tone reflects the artist’s early Rococo sensibility.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1760, the drawing entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (specific details of its prior ownership are not recorded in the available sources). Its presence in the museum’s collection highlights the institution’s commitment to representing French 18th‑century art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Honoré Fragonard

Artist

Jean Honoré Fragonard

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.