Haldane Macfall
Fragonard
"Fragonard" by Haldane MacFall is a biographical work written in the early 20th century, focusing on the life and art of Jean Honoré Fragonard, a notable French painter of the 18th century. The book chronicles the evolution of Fragonard's career, detailing his journey from a young boy in Grasse to a significant figure in the Rococo art movement, highlighting the pleasures and tensions of his time. The narrative unfolds with Fragonard's early influences and training under esteemed artists like Boucher and Chardin, leading to his eventual prominence in the artistic circles of Paris. The author captures Fragonard's transition from academic subjects to the depiction of lively and intimate scenes, reflective of his era's changing tastes. Throughout the book, MacFall explores Fragonard's relationship with influential patrons, including Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, as well as the impact of the political upheavals of the French Revolution on his career and personal life. The work encompasses Fragonard's artistic legacy, revealing how his work embodies the spirit of a vibrant society on the brink of monumental change.