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A Boy in a Red-lined Cloak by Jean Honoré Fragonard

Jean Honoré Fragonard · 1780-01-01

This captivating portrait, "A Boy in a Red-lined Cloak" by Jean Honoré Fragonard, was a landmark acquisition for The Cleveland Museum of Art in 1916. For many decades, it remained their most expensive purchase, a testament to its artistic value and the museum's ambition.

Observe the boy's subtle expression and the skillful use of light and shadow, particularly around his face and the vibrant red lining of his cloak. Fragonard, a prominent French painter of the late Rococo period, was celebrated for his expressive brushwork and ability to convey a sense of intimacy.

Created around 1790, towards the end of Fragonard's career, this painting's journey to an American institution reflects the broader collecting trends of the early 20th century. It allowed a wider audience to appreciate the elegance and technique of this celebrated artist.

What details in the painting hold your gaze the longest?

Details

The Cleveland Museum of Art bought it in 1916.
The Cleveland Museum of Art bought it in 1916.
It was their most expensive acquisition for decades.
It was their most expensive acquisition for decades.
Fragonard's loose brushwork captures the soft texture.
Fragonard's loose brushwork captures the soft texture.
He was a master of the late Rococo style in France.
He was a master of the late Rococo style in France.
Transcript

This quiet portrait by Fragonard cost a fortune. The Cleveland Museum of Art bought it in 1916. It was their most expensive acquisition for decades. Fragonard's loose brushwork captures the soft texture. He was a master of the late Rococo style in France. The boy's averted gaze creates a sense of introspection. This painting represents a significant moment for the museum.