The Swing
An interesting story surrounds this
tapestry by Fragonard (1732-1806). A painter by the name of Doyer
was given the order by a courtier in 1767 to paint his mistress
on a swing, pushed by the bishop, with the lord himself hidden
in the trees, gazing at his lady from under her petticoats. Thinking
this scandalous, however, the artist Doyer recommended the artist
Fragonard, who was known at that time for his romantic intrigue
paintings. Fragonard was quite amused by the idea and thus created
the "Lady on the Swing", a subtle, yet elegant tapestry
with an amusing history.
The young woman is dressed in an elaborate crimson frock with
yard of fabric and ruffled petticoats. One of her slippers is
flying through the air. The other shoe is dangling from the tip
of her toes. The landscape is lush with grand architectural accents
to the right and left of the swing. An ornate fence, with pilasters
and a fountain located on the pillar, separate the pastoral scene
from the castle. On the ground are two rakes and a spade. Finally,
a fountain with two cherubs is on the right in the opening behind
the bishop and ared cardinal is in the top branches of the tree
overseeing the events.
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