"The Souvenir" is an exquisite artwork created in the style of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, an iconic artist of the 18th century. In this painting, a young girl, later identified as Julie, the heroine of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, stands before a tree, where she carefully carves an initial into its bark. Her loyal pet spaniel, a symbol of unwavering fidelity, watches over her, capturing the essence of human emotion that began to resonate more deeply in the latter part of the 18th century.

The composition not only exemplifies Fragonard's extraordinary skill but also showcases his adaptability as an artist. The painting's scale and meticulous technique mirror the contemporary preference for Dutch seventeenth-century cabinet paintings. However, Fragonard infuses his unique touch into the piece, utilizing theatrical lighting, delicate draughtsmanship, and intricate calligraphic details in the depiction of hair and foliage.

"The Souvenir" stands as a remarkable testament to the evolving artistic sensibilities of the 18th century, where human emotion and the celebration of loyalty took center stage. Fragonard's ability to combine the traditional with the contemporary results in a masterpiece that not only encapsulates the era's spirit but also reflects the enduring talent of the artist himself.

Details:
Artist: (After) Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Title: "The Souvenir"
Date: 19th Century
Medium: Oil on canvas (on panel)
Dimensions: 43.5 x 33.5 cm
Condition Report: Overall good condition.

About the Artist:

Jean-Honoré Fragonard was born in Grasse, Provence, on April 5, 1732, and had relocated to Paris by the age of six. Under the guidance of François Boucher, he initially studied briefly with Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, around 1749-1750. Subsequently, he returned to Boucher's studio, where he honed his skills for two to three years. Boucher played a crucial role in introducing Fragonard to the influences of Watteau and continued to be a significant direct influence on Fragonard's artistic journey. It was with Boucher's support that Fragonard, despite not being a student at the Académie royale, entered the Grand Prix competition, which he won on his first attempt in 1752 with his work 'Jeroboam Sacrificing to the Idols' (now at the Paris, École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts). Even before traveling to Italy, he was already considered a remarkable young talent in the grand style.

Fragonard's first trip to Italy took place between 1756 and 1761. He arrived in Rome in December 1756 and studied at the Académie de France under the guidance of Charles-Joseph Natoire, the Academy director. During his time in Italy, he began creating genre paintings for private clients and engaging in plein-air landscape drawings, often in the company of Hubert Robert, who was also in Rome at the time. The abbé de Saint-Non, an amateur and collector, invited Fragonard to join him on a journey to Tivoli in 1760. Upon his return to Paris, he made his sensational debut at the Salon of 1765 with 'Coresus and Callirhoë' (now at the Paris, Musée du Louvre). He subsequently shifted his focus away from history painting, possibly due to financial considerations, and concentrated on private patrons and commissions. He exhibited at the Salon for the last time in 1767 and during that year, he created one of his most famous 'private' works, 'Les hazard heureux de l’escarpolette' (The Swing). Fragonard did not return to the Salon, as he became highly sought after for amorous subjects, large-scale decorations, portraits, book illustrations, and landscapes. His works displayed a remarkable diversity of styles and finishes, catering to a select group of connoisseurs.

In 1773, he embarked on his second journey to Italy, accompanied by Pierre-Jacques-Onésyme Bergeret de Grancourt, a wealthy fermier-general. It is possible that he also visited Holland during this time, although this remains uncertain. In 1790, he returned to Grasse, carrying with him the rejected 'Progress of Love' series intended for Madame du Barry, which is now housed at the New York, Frick Collection. Jacques-Louis David, his devoted student, brought him back to Paris and appointed him as the curator of the Louvre in 1793.