The Little Park
1763
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1763
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The etching shows a dreamy Italian garden with terraced steps, sunlit trees, and two statues of lions. A young woman walks past a man lounging on the steps, both tiny against the grand scenery. Fragonard made this when he was only 31. He used quick, wispy lines in black-gray ink that catch the hazy, summery light of hot days. The loose style makes everything feel light and airy. Check out how bold lines and soft shading mix in Fragonard’s work.
